tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10944939661577806212018-03-07T06:50:35.473-08:00The Silva ScrapbookCelebrating the humor of life with two little guys and one grown up guy.Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153216380438947038noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094493966157780621.post-67903294572539039772015-07-24T16:37:00.003-07:002015-07-24T16:40:22.152-07:00Mexico 2015We had a great time on our vacation to Mexico this summer! The boys were thrilled that they got a stamp in their passport and I'm proud at their patience during international travel. Going to customs (on either end) was not the fastest process. If you have little kids, expect to endure some crying and whining while they're waiting in the long lines.<br /><br />Ok, onto the fun stuff.... Here's a recap or our journey... We stayed at Dreams Puerto Aventurous. We flew into Cancun and pre-booked private transportation to take us to our hotel. It took 1:15 minutes to get from the airport to the hotel. My advice is do not take a cab from the airport. Book a shuttle so you know what you are getting into. Our shuttle driver gave us lots of good info regarding tours and things around the city.<br /><br />Also, do NOT stop to talk to anyone at the airport even if they motion you over. We got caught by a guy who I thought worked for our shuttle company. Turns out he was trying to up sell us to come to a different resort and took 20 minutes of our time in the airport. Just keep your head down and keep walking. <br /><br />I did a lot of research trying to find the "right" all inclusive for us. When I started looking, I wasn't quiet sure what I was looking for. But by the time we booked a location, I knew I wanted the following aspects:<br /><br />1. An all inclusive resort that didn't require "wristbands".&nbsp; Most all inclusive resorts use a wrist band system that allows you to be on the resort property. Some even have differentiated wrist bands that coincide with your room "type". Those allows you different privileges from the restaurants you can eat at to the type of liquor you get in your mixed drinks. Basically at many resorts, you get what you pay for. Also, I did not want to have to make reservations for meals. At Dreams Resorts, you do not have wristbands, all restaurants are included and no reservations are needed.<br /><br />2. I wanted a beach where we could snorkel. This meant considerably smaller waves coming in so it was a trade-off.<br /><br />3. I did not want to pay extra for non-motorized water sports (snorkel gear, kayaks, catamarans, etc..). The Dreams resort we booked included all of these items.<br /><br />4. A place that had a "swim with the dolphins" on the resort. I didn't want to have to walk anywhere or stand in long lines.<br /><br />5. Someplace small enough that we could walk to the beach. There are a lot of BIG places out there where you have to take golf carts around the resort. We enjoyed being able to walk right out to the beach.<br /><br />Onto our vacation...it was a blast! The first flight was short and the second was long. We only lost one pair or earbuds so I consider that a success.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSXklG7y590/VbKct3jfdGI/AAAAAAAACPU/LhD_1V5v7i8/s1600/IMG_4263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSXklG7y590/VbKct3jfdGI/AAAAAAAACPU/LhD_1V5v7i8/s320/IMG_4263.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />&nbsp;The only glitch we had the entire stay was with our room arrangements. We booked the "deal of the day" which was about $700 less that choosing our room outright. There was a notes section where I specifically stated that I did not care about our view, the make up of the beds or the level of floor. However, we MUST have enough sleeping accommodations for 4 people. In Mexico, they were pretty amendment that all four of us could sleep in a king bed together. We ended up having a cot brought into the room. Colin slept on the settee (he said it was comfortable). After two nights, with much arguing with the front desk manager, we were moved to a room with two double beds.&nbsp; <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9yEjmc5zmg/VbKct5ljKjI/AAAAAAAACJo/0ebaYNxZeSs/s1600/IMG_4264%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9yEjmc5zmg/VbKct5ljKjI/AAAAAAAACJo/0ebaYNxZeSs/s320/IMG_4264%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />We had a view of the adults only pool and the dolphinaruium. There was some sort of concert going on that first night. It was very very noisy but we were so tired after traveling all day, it didn't matter. We were very impressed that the mini fridge was restocked each day. The boys really got a kick out of that.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AvJsgaOpRYM/VbKcudSQztI/AAAAAAAACJ0/5H3fb8Ih21g/s1600/IMG_4265%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AvJsgaOpRYM/VbKcudSQztI/AAAAAAAACJ0/5H3fb8Ih21g/s320/IMG_4265%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;We went straight to the beach that first night. Not much sunlight left but they needed to put their toes in the sand.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hy9DVoigXJw/VbKcvFS3yWI/AAAAAAAACKE/kqiuH5KGhWQ/s1600/IMG_4268%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hy9DVoigXJw/VbKcvFS3yWI/AAAAAAAACKE/kqiuH5KGhWQ/s320/IMG_4268%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />The food at this resort was great! I read a lot of online reviews saying that the food at all inclusive resorts was bland cafeteria food. Our meals were the opposite. Of course, the kids stuck to cereal, pizza and burgers. So sad.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_neLQIAKgtE/VbKcvvcPKII/AAAAAAAACKI/ksnzg0mT4YA/s1600/IMG_4271%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_neLQIAKgtE/VbKcvvcPKII/AAAAAAAACKI/ksnzg0mT4YA/s320/IMG_4271%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The water was crystal clear. The seaweed was plentiful but hey, we were at the beach. This first day we spent ALL DAY at the beach. The resort had an iceberg bolted into the ocean floor and the boys had a great time climbing and falling into the water.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oZzu3BSwkdw/VbKcxhQfX_I/AAAAAAAACKs/iyLconvEwsM/s1600/IMG_4273%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oZzu3BSwkdw/VbKcxhQfX_I/AAAAAAAACKs/iyLconvEwsM/s320/IMG_4273%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />King of the mountain right there. The darker area of the water behind the iceberg was the beginning of the reef. You could snorkel out there and see some pretty awesome fish and crabs. However, the reef broke up the waves so there was not body surfing or surf boarding on our beach.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JJfIoUlK5Sk/VbKcyY9INgI/AAAAAAAACK4/MAk_hvIzfHI/s1600/IMG_4274%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JJfIoUlK5Sk/VbKcyY9INgI/AAAAAAAACK4/MAk_hvIzfHI/s320/IMG_4274%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />The resort also had a smaller cover that was very calm. Tons of fish in there to view. No fear of sharks! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-38rigrhrDYM/VbKczIzSdqI/AAAAAAAACLM/Ukus8-XpbR4/s1600/IMG_4275%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-38rigrhrDYM/VbKczIzSdqI/AAAAAAAACLM/Ukus8-XpbR4/s320/IMG_4275%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />You can see the one small opening where the water was coming into the cover in the upper right hand corner of this photo. That's why we felt it was safe for the kids to swim in there by themselves. It was deep, but safe.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dMmwcmqu1XU/VbKc0KIcp4I/AAAAAAAACLc/a1P-40L7uBk/s1600/IMG_4276%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dMmwcmqu1XU/VbKc0KIcp4I/AAAAAAAACLc/a1P-40L7uBk/s320/IMG_4276%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />The pool chairs and shade at the beach were plentiful. We never had a problem finding a spot. The bathrooms were just a hundred yards away...as was the bar. Perfect location. The did have beach service so you could order drinks and food to have delivered to you in your lounge chair.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4C_ehRPtpr4/VbKc10-aJaI/AAAAAAAACMM/h1OP8LKDLdI/s1600/IMG_4280%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4C_ehRPtpr4/VbKc10-aJaI/AAAAAAAACMM/h1OP8LKDLdI/s320/IMG_4280%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Every restaurant was very accommodating. Of course, they all required shirts and shoes. Some required slacks and dresses. If you book an all inclusive, be sure to check out the dress code. Also, none of the restaurants had a terribly effective a/c system. If you want to cool off in the a/c, going back to your room is the best option.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tvSM2ZqlD9Y/VbKc2V3lznI/AAAAAAAACM4/t7UZ3Xii8kA/s1600/IMG_4281%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tvSM2ZqlD9Y/VbKc2V3lznI/AAAAAAAACM4/t7UZ3Xii8kA/s320/IMG_4281%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />The boys were absolutely spent by 3 pm the first day. It was a full day at the beach and in the sun. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PqYI8fmCUu0/VbKc3Kp79hI/AAAAAAAACMg/qEYqoR_HRZM/s1600/IMG_4283%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PqYI8fmCUu0/VbKc3Kp79hI/AAAAAAAACMg/qEYqoR_HRZM/s320/IMG_4283%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />The wildlife was fun to watch. This pelican was the same one that scooped down right in front of us in the water to eat his lunch. It was fascinating!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Co_u6I7fqbU/VbKc3zaQ68I/AAAAAAAACMw/T0UIEnM-xFg/s1600/IMG_4285%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Co_u6I7fqbU/VbKc3zaQ68I/AAAAAAAACMw/T0UIEnM-xFg/s320/IMG_4285%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />We walked down to the little village near our resort. These lizards were everywhere! They were huge and didn't seem bothered by humans.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ylBKzH8__w/VbKc4ySygBI/AAAAAAAACNs/_rzllVNU-KU/s1600/IMG_4286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ylBKzH8__w/VbKc4ySygBI/AAAAAAAACNs/_rzllVNU-KU/s320/IMG_4286.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />The village was home to a manatee enclosure. There were quiet a few babies.&nbsp; I never realized that they use their front flippers to scoop the food into their mouths. They seem like very gentle creatures. You could "swim with the manatee" here but we did not sign up for that adventure. It sort of confused me because when we kayaked with the manatee at Cocoa Beach a few years ago, we were told that we couldn't even attempt to touch them because they are an endangered species. Touching them would result in an arrest.. at least in the state of Florida.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hMRsj0DeX18/VbKc5bbNmII/AAAAAAAACNQ/96V4Tntz7GU/s1600/IMG_4289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hMRsj0DeX18/VbKc5bbNmII/AAAAAAAACNQ/96V4Tntz7GU/s320/IMG_4289.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />There were several bars and restaurants at our resort. You could catch a really nice breeze off the ocean in these huge swings.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nD-S4GJX8qc/VbKc6WbtkqI/AAAAAAAACNw/iG8ss-qVcns/s1600/IMG_4294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nD-S4GJX8qc/VbKc6WbtkqI/AAAAAAAACNw/iG8ss-qVcns/s320/IMG_4294.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The kids found a lot of things to do. Mini-golf was always a hit. They also had games in the pool (volleyball and basketball), different dance parties, bocce ball, beach volleyball, yoga sessions, bike tours, free scuba diving intro ... lots and lots of activities. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRe2nvKs8nk/VbKc71cU9LI/AAAAAAAACN8/oiPn2cEaV3w/s1600/IMG_4297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRe2nvKs8nk/VbKc71cU9LI/AAAAAAAACN8/oiPn2cEaV3w/s320/IMG_4297.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>That is a rough as the waves got. Very mild and great for snorkeling. Also, good for really young kids that might be scared of the water.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7zWH1JPmw24/VbKc-bB_YdI/AAAAAAAACOM/D0k9x0uBoDQ/s1600/IMG_4301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7zWH1JPmw24/VbKc-bB_YdI/AAAAAAAACOM/D0k9x0uBoDQ/s320/IMG_4301.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Their sand castle creation. I hope they are never too old to build sandcastles. The sand was fine and flour like. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RTITnQUBqy0/VbKc_YaahAI/AAAAAAAACOk/ziMayG917j4/s1600/IMG_4305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RTITnQUBqy0/VbKc_YaahAI/AAAAAAAACOk/ziMayG917j4/s320/IMG_4305.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />The seaweed towards the later part of our trip was insane. Again, you're at the beach so it comes with the territory. The resort had a crew of men (sometimes 5-10 men) cleaning up the seaweed all day long. They worked long hard hours. They were hand scooping it into wheel barrows with shovels and rakes. It was an all day process from sun up to sun down. The beach was never completely clear but again, it's the beach. There are worse things in life than seaweed.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1iqfvmZP3ac/VbKdAAHF2xI/AAAAAAAACOo/s3Ozp6rBWZ0/s1600/IMG_4306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1iqfvmZP3ac/VbKdAAHF2xI/AAAAAAAACOo/s3Ozp6rBWZ0/s320/IMG_4306.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />Stomping out the sandcastle... see what I mean about not being too old to build sandcastles? <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_FXoztwq3QY/VbKdB5hPEnI/AAAAAAAACO8/58WSI8vgzFA/s1600/IMG_4311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_FXoztwq3QY/VbKdB5hPEnI/AAAAAAAACO8/58WSI8vgzFA/s320/IMG_4311.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />Absolutely crystal clear water. I'm probably 3 feet deep into the water. You could see every piece of coral, every crab and fish that swam by. Ironically, we didn't find a single shell. It's very interesting to me that different beaches has such different qualities.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pl7Dv2tEtwQ/VbKdCvay1mI/AAAAAAAACPA/KrOfx-b7lE8/s1600/IMG_4312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pl7Dv2tEtwQ/VbKdCvay1mI/AAAAAAAACPA/KrOfx-b7lE8/s320/IMG_4312.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />In the water. All. Day. Long.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VM9XbpnEpN4/VbKdDn5GE2I/AAAAAAAACPI/eii92_pIZeE/s1600/IMG_4316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VM9XbpnEpN4/VbKdDn5GE2I/AAAAAAAACPI/eii92_pIZeE/s320/IMG_4316.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />This one too.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qaqHExMu00c/VbKdEhn5U9I/AAAAAAAACPQ/IvhB9Eok0_c/s1600/IMG_4317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qaqHExMu00c/VbKdEhn5U9I/AAAAAAAACPQ/IvhB9Eok0_c/s320/IMG_4317.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />We took a cab to the 5th Street market on Riviera Maya. <span data-reactid=".us.1:5:1:$comment10207098306366207_10207108603503629:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;K&quot;}" data-reactid=".us.1:5:1:$comment10207098306366207_10207108603503629:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g" data-reactid=".us.1:5:1:$comment10207098306366207_10207108603503629:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".us.1:5:1:$comment10207098306366207_10207108603503629:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".us.1:5:1:$comment10207098306366207_10207108603503629:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$text0:0">The cab ride cost $30 US (each way) and probably shaved a few hours off of our lives despite the fact that it only took 20 minutes. The speed limit signs in Mexico are in kilometers. When I looked at the dash, the cabbie was going 120 per hour and the speed limit was 80. We made it there safely so I guess that's all that matters. In the middle of the market we saw this beautiful sculpture. It was crafted in December 2012, which was the end of the Mayan Calendar. To commemorate a new era of light and prosperity, the structure, titled Portal Maya (Mayan Gateway) was built. </span><span data-reactid=".us.1:5:1:$comment10207098306366207_10207108603503629:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$text2:0">The monument portr</span></span><span data-reactid=".us.1:5:1:$comment10207098306366207_10207108603503629:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".us.1:5:1:$comment10207098306366207_10207108603503629:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".us.1:5:1:$comment10207098306366207_10207108603503629:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text0:0">ays a man and a woman, being pushed upwards by a spiral of wind and water, and holding hands. All around the spirals, the sculpture includes depictions of other elements important to the area including a jaguar, shells, people from the past and present, and two rings from the Mayan ball game. The market was fun. Lots of bartering and haggling. It's not for the shy or intimidated. However, if you really want the best prices, just go to the larger "chain" stores in the market. They have the best prices on the same items and no haggling. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-syUWdpTeW2k/VbKfZnr7GeI/AAAAAAAACPs/AlGQYDyvpzY/s1600/IMG_4342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-syUWdpTeW2k/VbKfZnr7GeI/AAAAAAAACPs/AlGQYDyvpzY/s320/IMG_4342.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />We took an amazing tour of the Mayan Ruins in Tulum. Our tour guide, Yolo, was great. She knew so many interesting little facts.&nbsp; She was passionate about her job and you could tell she loved what she did for her profession. She was also our tour guide when we snorkeled with the turtles.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wgxgf1L38K8/VbKfjZRWCmI/AAAAAAAACRM/7OTQg-vxe3s/s1600/IMG_4366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wgxgf1L38K8/VbKfjZRWCmI/AAAAAAAACRM/7OTQg-vxe3s/s320/IMG_4366.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />This is a view of Akumal Bay. This bay is home to the second largest coral reef in the world. In this photo you can see the edge of the reef (where the water turns dark). I had no idea that Mexico was home to the second largest reef in the world. (The Great Barrier Reef in Australia being the largest.)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VBMhFih2gaI/VbKfZ2uQTKI/AAAAAAAACP4/og4VQ4LhHPE/s1600/IMG_4343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VBMhFih2gaI/VbKfZ2uQTKI/AAAAAAAACP4/og4VQ4LhHPE/s320/IMG_4343.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />The Mayan village in Tulum was the one and only Mayan village built near the beach. As the "sweet water" inland dried up, the Mayans found a way to process out the salt from the ocean to make the water drinkable. They also switched from farming to fishing due to drought conditions. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eghtiPod6F0/VbKfbnUsHaI/AAAAAAAACQM/LTrHKjZGxxo/s1600/IMG_4352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eghtiPod6F0/VbKfbnUsHaI/AAAAAAAACQM/LTrHKjZGxxo/s320/IMG_4352.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />This is a photo of a dried up cenotes. Cenotes exist all around this area. They are pools of water connected by a series of under ground caves and tunnels. Some cenotes are at ground level where others are pools that you have to dive into. Some contain sweet water and some contain salt water. They are all able to sustain their own species of fish, coral and other sea life. What you see in one cenotes, you probably won't see in another cenotes.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VtbcVOXFC4E/VbKfcIF91KI/AAAAAAAACQU/pK8CsrKv2o8/s1600/IMG_4353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VtbcVOXFC4E/VbKfcIF91KI/AAAAAAAACQU/pK8CsrKv2o8/s320/IMG_4353.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>&nbsp;A great view of Akumal Bay. It was hot hot hot. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5dn-Zccykow/VbKfmN41j1I/AAAAAAAACRk/e2Tc2uOZ5yI/s1600/IMG_4369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5dn-Zccykow/VbKfmN41j1I/AAAAAAAACRk/e2Tc2uOZ5yI/s320/IMG_4369.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />This is the only photo I got of Turtle Beach. We really enjoyed our time snorkeling. Again, the water was crystal clear and very warm. Steve and Cam saw an eel when we first headed out. Then we were all a little freaked out when we saw an eagle ray. It was about 9 feet down and massive! Our guide said she wasn't sure why it was so far inland. It should have been farther out by the reef. We saw some gorgeous turtles, big and small. We also saw sting rays and lots of fish. I didn't realize until afterwards that Cam was a little intimidated because when I told him we were snorkeling with the turtles, he thought we were going in a big tank. Oops. I guess I should have clarified that for him.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iBP6QWvGp8k/VbKfnx3UWhI/AAAAAAAACR0/17CJtzryB7M/s1600/IMG_4371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iBP6QWvGp8k/VbKfnx3UWhI/AAAAAAAACR0/17CJtzryB7M/s320/IMG_4371.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />I lost track of the number of weddings that took place on the beach. The resort did a beautiful job setting up the fanfare for these special events. It this photo you can see the lights on the point where a wedding was taking place. You can also see the seaweed taking over the beach at night.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ey5z778O6YA/VbKfo25mU0I/AAAAAAAACR8/LMbOnsfQi_0/s1600/IMG_4375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ey5z778O6YA/VbKfo25mU0I/AAAAAAAACR8/LMbOnsfQi_0/s320/IMG_4375.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Colin got a weird rash on the second day. It was only on his face. It was sort of bumpy, red and angry looking. We're not sure if it was from the sand, sun, seaweed... maybe a combination of all three. It was gone by the morning and we were thankful for that!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-99-CBTYp4iE/VbKfqaD-aoI/AAAAAAAACSM/37tedwh-VIQ/s1600/IMG_4378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-99-CBTYp4iE/VbKfqaD-aoI/AAAAAAAACSM/37tedwh-VIQ/s320/IMG_4378.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />We were able to go out on the catamaran a few times. The lifeguard was very particular about the strength of the waves.&nbsp; We would have liked to have gone out more but the weather (waves) wouldn't allow it. I was told by the guide that shark season in that area is Oct/Nov ... just so you know.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aV6W5AEGP6c/VbKfrKWY9mI/AAAAAAAACSU/iur6PRP9zcA/s1600/IMG_4387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aV6W5AEGP6c/VbKfrKWY9mI/AAAAAAAACSU/iur6PRP9zcA/s320/IMG_4387.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />Two cuties.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8UivD0X_mX4/VbKfsM1t9RI/AAAAAAAACSc/q6w_bwNiG1A/s1600/IMG_4389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8UivD0X_mX4/VbKfsM1t9RI/AAAAAAAACSc/q6w_bwNiG1A/s320/IMG_4389.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />The boys learned how to play pool and really caught on by the third day of playing. We pretty much had the bar to ourselves. But again, it was hot and muggy in there. Not much a/c.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aLC4of2VMYs/VbKfs6lhONI/AAAAAAAACSo/8wZtr56EhDA/s1600/IMG_4429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aLC4of2VMYs/VbKfs6lhONI/AAAAAAAACSo/8wZtr56EhDA/s320/IMG_4429.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />A little out of order but this was on our Tulum tour. Did I mention that it was hot?<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XywMo4P3G-E/VbKftxGX__I/AAAAAAAACSs/8jt0kDzwUs4/s1600/IMG_4432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XywMo4P3G-E/VbKftxGX__I/AAAAAAAACSs/8jt0kDzwUs4/s320/IMG_4432.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Playing bocce ball on the beach.<br />&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0dC8jaLpQ_Y/VbKfuooSpgI/AAAAAAAACS0/duiDb1AgUKs/s1600/IMG_4435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0dC8jaLpQ_Y/VbKfuooSpgI/AAAAAAAACS0/duiDb1AgUKs/s320/IMG_4435.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Beautiful view.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x7nHkL9mdac/VbKfvaholXI/AAAAAAAACS8/727leZFVAXA/s1600/IMG_4436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x7nHkL9mdac/VbKfvaholXI/AAAAAAAACS8/727leZFVAXA/s320/IMG_4436.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />Cam getting kissed by a dolphin. This was the BEST experience. We were in an enclosed (man made) cove with the dolphins. Our dolphin's name was Aueros. We got to boogie board with him, pet him and ride on his belly. It was probably my favorite part of the vacation. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ASDu4V60o1M/VbKgKL6rknI/AAAAAAAACTE/Cc12EpHAUOQ/s1600/DSC_0273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ASDu4V60o1M/VbKgKL6rknI/AAAAAAAACTE/Cc12EpHAUOQ/s320/DSC_0273.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Colin's turn.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hEkeuSVDZ_I/VbKgLq9C2NI/AAAAAAAACTM/P1Is50i8f_c/s1600/DSC_0283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hEkeuSVDZ_I/VbKgLq9C2NI/AAAAAAAACTM/P1Is50i8f_c/s320/DSC_0283.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Holding Aueros.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oCEysB22wTM/VbKgPuhIaWI/AAAAAAAACTU/TAbNapi5lDc/s1600/DSC_0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oCEysB22wTM/VbKgPuhIaWI/AAAAAAAACTU/TAbNapi5lDc/s320/DSC_0297.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Steve boogie boarding with Aureos.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6fFKGhfpK-o/VbKgSiCE_8I/AAAAAAAACTc/r8mIJsl8670/s1600/DSC_0300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6fFKGhfpK-o/VbKgSiCE_8I/AAAAAAAACTc/r8mIJsl8670/s320/DSC_0300.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Colin's turn.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_3B4KQD6br4/VbKi4cIvz8I/AAAAAAAACTo/_T3Is2-gD78/s1600/DSC_0329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_3B4KQD6br4/VbKi4cIvz8I/AAAAAAAACTo/_T3Is2-gD78/s320/DSC_0329.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br />My turn for a kiss. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yxDxgHlpbv8/VbKjZNtql5I/AAAAAAAACTw/P0iaHRT-f3Q/s1600/DSC_0290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yxDxgHlpbv8/VbKjZNtql5I/AAAAAAAACTw/P0iaHRT-f3Q/s320/DSC_0290.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />You really got going when Aureos pushed you.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D1hkFsA39-M/VbLE_cLbhLI/AAAAAAAACT8/27onQG89-RE/s1600/DSC_0333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D1hkFsA39-M/VbLE_cLbhLI/AAAAAAAACT8/27onQG89-RE/s320/DSC_0333.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />We've decided that we don't need a boat. All we need is a dolphin!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-41UXhnLrp5A/VbLFEi-6J3I/AAAAAAAACUE/_6zO92jOYMs/s1600/DSC_0354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-41UXhnLrp5A/VbLFEi-6J3I/AAAAAAAACUE/_6zO92jOYMs/s320/DSC_0354.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />All in all the vacation was great! We weren't sure what we were getting into with an all inclusive. The only thing the boys missed was large waves at the beach. For some reason my boys get a thrill of being knocked off their feet by the waves. Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153216380438947038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094493966157780621.post-55424565200153234652015-07-21T20:27:00.001-07:002015-07-21T20:27:34.480-07:00Three Years Later - Happy AnniversaryHas it really been three years since we moved from Colorado? Yep, three years ago today we drove away with tears in our eyes. I remember pulling out of the driveway and trying to not look into the rear view mirror at my boys. I just knew if I made eye contact with them that I couldn't do it. I couldn't leave that place that we had come to love so much. The place where we had best friends and memories to last a lifetime. We were at a crossroads and needed to move. It was a terrible way to spend our anniversary. But, as parents, you do what you have to do to take care of your kids and make their lives stable. We knew if we stayed that we were facing a serious unknown and so we chose the safe but very difficult path to move. Steve and I both cried the first day that we met with our realtors. We tried to explain to them house much we cherished our home. We changed our minds 200 times in 24 hours when we decided to move. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;I took this photo the morning before we left for Kansas. It was bright and sunny and beautiful. </div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M5joojZADkQ/Va71FMh3uEI/AAAAAAAACG8/FMC2-3Qfa9I/s1600/Exploration%2BPlace%2B2012%2B001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M5joojZADkQ/Va71FMh3uEI/AAAAAAAACG8/FMC2-3Qfa9I/s320/Exploration%2BPlace%2B2012%2B001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That house still holds so many memories for us. Almost daily we hear, "Do you remember when.... in Colorado?" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Like the time Cam broke his arm? He was scootering home from the bus stop. We were walking Colin home and&nbsp;Cam slipped on a patch of sand in the road. I also remember that night some very dear friends bringing over a kitkat bar and a card for Cam.&nbsp;Those were the&nbsp;amazing kind of friends we had in Colorado. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jvpRravziWY/Va72Q8E18vI/AAAAAAAACHE/P2Y4mz9-3vQ/s1600/cam%2Bbroken%2Barm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jvpRravziWY/Va72Q8E18vI/AAAAAAAACHE/P2Y4mz9-3vQ/s320/cam%2Bbroken%2Barm.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Or Colin's first day of Preschool? Both boys went to Promise Preschool. It was such a sweet little school. Again, we still have very dear friend that we met at Promise. I will never forget their teachers. They were two of the kindest most gentle souls I have ever met. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kYcRsxSxupM/Va72nI5SoGI/AAAAAAAACHM/z4uU09rB4kY/s1600/Colin%2Bsilva%2Bpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kYcRsxSxupM/Va72nI5SoGI/AAAAAAAACHM/z4uU09rB4kY/s320/Colin%2Bsilva%2Bpic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not to mention all the Birthdays we celebrated in that house? The first birthday was celebrated was Colin's third birthday. Little did I know that by inviting the neighbors to that first birthday party, we would have some friends for life. The best neighbors, I tell you. The best! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FoWvounI8LA/Va72-vQW3rI/AAAAAAAACHU/oy5a4FFTXMc/s1600/Father%2527s%2BDay%2B2013%2B023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FoWvounI8LA/Va72-vQW3rI/AAAAAAAACHU/oy5a4FFTXMc/s320/Father%2527s%2BDay%2B2013%2B023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The snowy days? Ironically the day we tried to move into our Erie house, there were back to back blizzards. The semi got stuck in front of our driveway. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Obkoz8wOY0w/Va73aAt9bWI/AAAAAAAACHc/QBycWaI3u50/s1600/Father%2527s%2BDay%2B2013%2B027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Obkoz8wOY0w/Va73aAt9bWI/AAAAAAAACHc/QBycWaI3u50/s320/Father%2527s%2BDay%2B2013%2B027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The hotwheels tracks? Our lives now have less toys and more electronics, but we still have stuff strung out all over. How is that possible? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xBS_QJO8U3o/Va73nGUMTNI/AAAAAAAACHk/9BF1ChftJYg/s1600/Father%2527s%2BDay%2B2013%2B032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xBS_QJO8U3o/Va73nGUMTNI/AAAAAAAACHk/9BF1ChftJYg/s320/Father%2527s%2BDay%2B2013%2B032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That house, that town, those schools, they all held such great memories for us. Memories we thought we could never recreate. Three years later, we still miss Colorado. But three years later, we can't say "We just moved to Kansas". Or, "We're new here." Or even, "We haven't lived in Kansas very long". </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's hard to believe that we have now been in Kansas for half as many years as we lived in Erie. We're settled in here. We love our school and like our house. We're in a safe neighborhood&nbsp;with easy access to any store we could ever want (and even a few that we don't want). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We enjoy&nbsp;our neighborhood pool.&nbsp;Most days when we go, there is no one else there. It's awesome! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qlox-vXABAQ/Va8ASqno1pI/AAAAAAAACII/PwNEX368gUE/s1600/iphone%2BPhotos%2B329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qlox-vXABAQ/Va8ASqno1pI/AAAAAAAACII/PwNEX368gUE/s320/iphone%2BPhotos%2B329.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We've celebrated milestones. Cam's First Communion, Colin's 5th grade graduation, Steve and I both turned 40, new baseball teams, new basketball teams, boyscouts campouts....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i1C4Agwr7Ss/Va8A-ltsqUI/AAAAAAAACIQ/d3KIyuUJaK4/s1600/Cam%2527s%2BFirst%2BCommunion%2B4-27-14%2B372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i1C4Agwr7Ss/Va8A-ltsqUI/AAAAAAAACIQ/d3KIyuUJaK4/s320/Cam%2527s%2BFirst%2BCommunion%2B4-27-14%2B372.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And first days of school. This first day of school was met with anxiety and tears. The first two weeks I walked the boys back to their classrooms. The school staff was gracious and understanding. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b4Ebfh9AHlg/Va74SpJXosI/AAAAAAAACHw/ZLYlOaWDLq4/s1600/First%2BDay%2Bof%2BSchool%2B2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b4Ebfh9AHlg/Va74SpJXosI/AAAAAAAACHw/ZLYlOaWDLq4/s320/First%2BDay%2Bof%2BSchool%2B2012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We've become huge Royals Fans. Oh boy,&nbsp;have we ever! We enjoyed our first game in 2012 and have been hooked ever since. They Royals even&nbsp;had a playoff game on Cam's Birthday in 2014 and Cam was stoked when Lorenzo Cain "liked" his birthday photo on instagram. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P07fgFrOCtQ/Va8BnfC0nSI/AAAAAAAACIY/udC394nvwGw/s1600/iphone%2B2015%2B162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P07fgFrOCtQ/Va8BnfC0nSI/AAAAAAAACIY/udC394nvwGw/s320/iphone%2B2015%2B162.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We've even had a lot of snow! Like, a TON. The first year we had so many snow closure days from school. Last year we had none so it will be interesting to see what this year holds. Steve seems to be out of town a lot in the winter so it seems that I've traded shoveling an extra long sidewalk for shoveling and extra big driveway. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w3VWIA-wprU/Va8CFzfEurI/AAAAAAAACIk/igjXnH-yuZc/s1600/iphone%2B2015%2B019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w3VWIA-wprU/Va8CFzfEurI/AAAAAAAACIk/igjXnH-yuZc/s320/iphone%2B2015%2B019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If anyone ever tries to tell you, "moving is easy", &nbsp;it isn't. If anyone ever tries to tell you "kids are resilient", slap them. If anyone says, "you'll figure out someday why this is happening, why God has put this in front of you", believe them. Steve and I cried a lot of tears those first few months here. The kids cried a lot of tears too. It was hard. So hard. But we made it through. We've made some great friends. We've had some great experiences that we wouldn't have had in Colorado. We get to see our families more (still not as often as we would like but at least more than we used to). The boys are so happy in their school. We've definitely made friendships here that will last a lifetime too. We still miss Colorado but the pain has turned into a swell in our hearts. We can smile now when we think about Colorado. We are making new awesome memories in our home. It feels like home now, not just a house. That being said, we have plenty of space for Colorado visitors! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">﻿</div>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153216380438947038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094493966157780621.post-90922566710296512672014-08-19T11:33:00.001-07:002014-08-19T14:20:37.288-07:00ALS Ice Bucket ChallengeI don't typically blog about things other than my family. However, this subject (or rather, the "spirit" of this subject) got me thinking. This is not written towards any one person or any one comment so please don't take offense or send me hate mail. You have expressed your opinion, now I wish to express mine.<br /><br />Many people are complaining that the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is "stupid", "does not raise any awareness", "is not raising any money", "people are not donating",&nbsp; etc....<br /><br />Let me offer you this ... This time last year the ALS Association received $1.9 million in donations (July 29-Aug. 19). During this same time frame THIS YEAR the ALS Association has received $22.9 million in donations. It seems to me that A LOT of people are not just dumping a bucket of ice over their heads. Furthermore, this increase in donation money has come from both current donors and 453,210 new donors. Again, seems like there is some awareness being raised here.<br /><br />To take this one step further, let me give you the example from my own family.<br /><br />One of my children was challenged by a friend in a different state via Facebook. Yes, I had to take a WHOLE 30 seconds out of my life to show him the video. Of course he didn't have a clue what ALS was, stood for or why dumping a bucket of ice over your head would help anyone. So, we went to that glorious tool called the internet. Last night both of my children learned about ALS. They learned that it affects the nerve cells in your brain and impairs your ability to control your muscles which eventually renders your muscles useless to the point of paralysis. They learned that after diagnosis, the average life expectancy is 2-5 years. They learned that ALS is not contagious. They learned that ALS does not discriminate.<br /><br />Awareness and understanding.&nbsp; <br /><br />The entire lesson took about 5 minutes. However, it was not a lesson that I was planning on teaching that night. In fact, it had never ever crossed my mind to teach my kids about ALS. For that matter, I have probably heard the term and explanation of ALS more in the last two days than I have in the last two decades.<br /><br />Awareness and understanding. <br /><br />Before you throw your ice bucket to the curb and say there is no logical correlation between a bucket of ice and raising awareness, let me ask you a few questions.<br /><br />Is there a correlation between raising awareness for breast cancer and a bunch of people getting together and drinking beer? No? Google Beer 4 Boobs.<br /><br />What about Poker Tournaments and raising awareness of pancreatic cancer? No? Google All In For A Cure.<br /><br />Have you ever seen a person wear purple to raise awareness for autism? Some might even post a photo on Facebook. <br /><br />Then there's always the not so popular colon cancer campaign where you were supposed to post&nbsp; picture of your booty to raise awareness.<br /><br />Also the ever popular, what color is your bra? campaign for breast cancer.<br /><br />Don't forget golf outings, silent auctions, bake sales, gofundme sights, races, bike rides, walks, selling t shirts, car stickers, car washes, galas....<br /><br />These are all challenges in one way or another. Give more. Do more. Raise more awareness. Is it such a bad thing to have a little fun in the process? Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153216380438947038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094493966157780621.post-32782704771944885902014-08-08T17:42:00.000-07:002014-08-08T17:43:52.752-07:00Summer 2014 - Time FreedomEvery summer we make a Summer Bucket List. Some things are "big ticket" items that we already have planned (trip to Florida).&nbsp;&nbsp;Some things are smaller ticket items that we look forward to doing as a family (Great Wolf Lodge). Other things are free (Deanna Rose)&nbsp;and we do them just because we love to! These are the places we've gone and things we've done this summer. I'm so EXTREMELY blessed to have this time freedom. My husband works hard so that I can stay home with our boys. It's summer days like yesterday (spending 12!!! hours at Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun with friends) that makes my heart so full.&nbsp; I can't believe I get to&nbsp;stay home and give these two amazing summer memories with their friends and family. <br /><br />My family is my WHY. I absolutely enjoy spending these&nbsp;summer days&nbsp;with the boys. Steve takes off work for our big vacations. But how amazing will it be when he has&nbsp;the time freedom to be able to spend these days with our boys too?? <br /><br />I'm working in the pockets of my life to do just that. I still get the joy (insert sarcasm here)&nbsp;of doing the mundane day-to-day of a house wife (laundry, cooking, cleaning, errands, etc...). But look at all the COOL things I get to do while I'm working!! While I'm out with my kids, I talk to people. That's it. That's my job. Talking to people. Sharing with them about how I intend to bring my husband into the time freedom loving life. Sharing with them about getting healthy,&nbsp;staying healthy and having enough energy to make all these fun memories! &nbsp;In case you haven't noticed, it takes A LOT of energy to keep up with a 10 year old and an 8 year old. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We took a week long trip to Florida.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0hS_Y5vA8JA/U-VV27b_nzI/AAAAAAAAB_A/v0GAH48y1pQ/s1600/Cocoa+Beach+2014+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0hS_Y5vA8JA/U-VV27b_nzI/AAAAAAAAB_A/v0GAH48y1pQ/s1600/Cocoa+Beach+2014+011.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Went to Lawrence for the day. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RDipnLCqFN4/U-VV7S7pR9I/AAAAAAAAB_I/Dgvs2nhSngg/s1600/Summer+2014+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RDipnLCqFN4/U-VV7S7pR9I/AAAAAAAAB_I/Dgvs2nhSngg/s1600/Summer+2014+002.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We volunteered at the Humane Society.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7LzCCpEhxlA/U-VWDpCeqgI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/6-EIgmcxuCA/s1600/Summer+2014+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7LzCCpEhxlA/U-VWDpCeqgI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/6-EIgmcxuCA/s1600/Summer+2014+016.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center">&nbsp;</div><div align="center">Boated and boated and boated some more with great friends! ﻿</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n0-lV8xwz9E/U-VWJmISZ9I/AAAAAAAAB_Y/U1L7VEKl4aI/s1600/Summer+2014+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n0-lV8xwz9E/U-VWJmISZ9I/AAAAAAAAB_Y/U1L7VEKl4aI/s1600/Summer+2014+003.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had lots of campfires and smores. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9srn6KxiRw8/U-VWU1jbc_I/AAAAAAAAB_g/P_r6A7bihTk/s1600/Summer+2014+058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9srn6KxiRw8/U-VWU1jbc_I/AAAAAAAAB_g/P_r6A7bihTk/s1600/Summer+2014+058.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We went to Worlds of Fun with friends from Colorado.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7AzRxAXeqTk/U-VWZleR0rI/AAAAAAAAB_o/EQXx1MspZFw/s1600/iphone+Photos+1489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7AzRxAXeqTk/U-VWZleR0rI/AAAAAAAAB_o/EQXx1MspZFw/s1600/iphone+Photos+1489.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And Oceans of Fun too! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RQQrfRj-zuQ/U-VWewirGLI/AAAAAAAAB_w/7E09Tgq9Px8/s1600/iphone+Photos+1493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RQQrfRj-zuQ/U-VWewirGLI/AAAAAAAAB_w/7E09Tgq9Px8/s1600/iphone+Photos+1493.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Planted a garden and enjoyed peaches from our trees. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-41QrvqwR39U/U-VWlQjR6II/AAAAAAAAB_4/a1G-8hGxPH0/s1600/iphone+Photos+1482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-41QrvqwR39U/U-VWlQjR6II/AAAAAAAAB_4/a1G-8hGxPH0/s1600/iphone+Photos+1482.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We spent a hot&nbsp;afternoon at the spray ground. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_VH2aNG1ihY/U-VWpXV-ReI/AAAAAAAACAA/oJWfepdAUpg/s1600/iphone+Photos+1481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_VH2aNG1ihY/U-VWpXV-ReI/AAAAAAAACAA/oJWfepdAUpg/s1600/iphone+Photos+1481.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We spent a hot morning at the Ropes Park. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SpbGfqacR9g/U-VWwQ5_2wI/AAAAAAAACAI/tZYNgjrSzfg/s1600/iphone+Photos+1478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SpbGfqacR9g/U-VWwQ5_2wI/AAAAAAAACAI/tZYNgjrSzfg/s1600/iphone+Photos+1478.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We made stepping stones for the garden. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jbn96I5WOFk/U-VW3CWxojI/AAAAAAAACAQ/GL9nLxzljeE/s1600/iphone+Photos+1469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jbn96I5WOFk/U-VW3CWxojI/AAAAAAAACAQ/GL9nLxzljeE/s1600/iphone+Photos+1469.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cam took his first sewing camp (with all these girls) and loved it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pITmf3McTvI/U-VW7lWPnXI/AAAAAAAACAY/7HBstVTAmYc/s1600/iphone+Photos+1466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pITmf3McTvI/U-VW7lWPnXI/AAAAAAAACAY/7HBstVTAmYc/s1600/iphone+Photos+1466.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We spent hours and hours at the pool with friends! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WevxdAjPsiA/U-VXFZR15MI/AAAAAAAACAg/mbQhE1j8e80/s1600/iphone+Photos+1451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WevxdAjPsiA/U-VXFZR15MI/AAAAAAAACAg/mbQhE1j8e80/s1600/iphone+Photos+1451.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><br /><br /><div align="center">More hours.....</div><div align="center">&nbsp;</div><div align="center">﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AqlBBpEFBCc/U-VXM7uPjaI/AAAAAAAACAo/S9IDgEP61tg/s1600/iphone+Photos+1449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AqlBBpEFBCc/U-VXM7uPjaI/AAAAAAAACAo/S9IDgEP61tg/s1600/iphone+Photos+1449.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More smores! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-98jMFVCOYgA/U-VXX6m1IjI/AAAAAAAACAw/ujZmRHeuZJQ/s1600/iphone+Photos+1441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-98jMFVCOYgA/U-VXX6m1IjI/AAAAAAAACAw/ujZmRHeuZJQ/s1600/iphone+Photos+1441.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finished out a great baseball season! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-loTpVsvdUpU/U-VXgyBD6bI/AAAAAAAACA4/DQa-NfoOP4o/s1600/iphone+Photos+1408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-loTpVsvdUpU/U-VXgyBD6bI/AAAAAAAACA4/DQa-NfoOP4o/s1600/iphone+Photos+1408.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cam enjoyed going to the skate park. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8nIFHWRODsY/U-VXn0lqEpI/AAAAAAAACBA/xRRDstzwzc8/s1600/iphone+Photos+1399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8nIFHWRODsY/U-VXn0lqEpI/AAAAAAAACBA/xRRDstzwzc8/s1600/iphone+Photos+1399.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More boating! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jZLzX9OUKRQ/U-VXzw5_N0I/AAAAAAAACBQ/XHeM1HlgRug/s1600/iphone+Photos+1276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jZLzX9OUKRQ/U-VXzw5_N0I/AAAAAAAACBQ/XHeM1HlgRug/s1600/iphone+Photos+1276.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We went to the orchard to pick peaches and blackberries. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mKWxfjfkff8/U-VX-fosSBI/AAAAAAAACBY/MRBKIMeazrk/s1600/iphone+Photos+1394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mKWxfjfkff8/U-VX-fosSBI/AAAAAAAACBY/MRBKIMeazrk/s1600/iphone+Photos+1394.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We spent a cool morning at Deanna Rose Farmstead. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BsmM-x73Nho/U-VYAgplg0I/AAAAAAAACBg/Ki373r3KQMk/s1600/iphone+Photos+1387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BsmM-x73Nho/U-VYAgplg0I/AAAAAAAACBg/Ki373r3KQMk/s1600/iphone+Photos+1387.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We headed to Lego Discovery with Colorado friends! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D-MbTnJcI2E/U-VYNB7qc6I/AAAAAAAACBo/WVgKy_Du02c/s1600/iphone+Photos+1371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D-MbTnJcI2E/U-VYNB7qc6I/AAAAAAAACBo/WVgKy_Du02c/s1600/iphone+Photos+1371.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And got to spend 3 days with them!! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O5T-9qfxp-I/U-VYat3JXqI/AAAAAAAACBw/Rq5k1kjXsEw/s1600/iphone+Photos+1364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O5T-9qfxp-I/U-VYat3JXqI/AAAAAAAACBw/Rq5k1kjXsEw/s1600/iphone+Photos+1364.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Both boys attended overnight Scout Camp.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bjIbet4zp0Q/U-VYiNkhLkI/AAAAAAAACB4/8Z5Lo6Fh8pM/s1600/iphone+Photos+1360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bjIbet4zp0Q/U-VYiNkhLkI/AAAAAAAACB4/8Z5Lo6Fh8pM/s1600/iphone+Photos+1360.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Both boys also took a computer programming camp. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-En5mmETIMMw/U-VYvKzaDmI/AAAAAAAACCA/C2UCfXVK3Bg/s1600/iphone+Photos+1353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-En5mmETIMMw/U-VYvKzaDmI/AAAAAAAACCA/C2UCfXVK3Bg/s1600/iphone+Photos+1353.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We couldn't miss 7-11 FREE slushie day! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7BiyoGfzaOw/U-VY4x3iHLI/AAAAAAAACCI/ZQnOtA745Mg/s1600/iphone+Photos+1358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7BiyoGfzaOw/U-VY4x3iHLI/AAAAAAAACCI/ZQnOtA745Mg/s1600/iphone+Photos+1358.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And bowling with friends. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-flTe4LYVxyM/U-VZA526pxI/AAAAAAAACCQ/gCus_1NcuH8/s1600/iphone+Photos+1356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-flTe4LYVxyM/U-VZA526pxI/AAAAAAAACCQ/gCus_1NcuH8/s1600/iphone+Photos+1356.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Colin took a cooking class. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U67gY56sSG8/U-VZLYVU8CI/AAAAAAAACCY/iZv3xxHPLKg/s1600/iphone+Photos+1351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U67gY56sSG8/U-VZLYVU8CI/AAAAAAAACCY/iZv3xxHPLKg/s1600/iphone+Photos+1351.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More bowling. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XnxsWbEc2ik/U-VZQaKTphI/AAAAAAAACCg/5CK11W1h-i8/s1600/iphone+Photos+1390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XnxsWbEc2ik/U-VZQaKTphI/AAAAAAAACCg/5CK11W1h-i8/s1600/iphone+Photos+1390.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Visited with my Dad on July 4th! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wnft6sTsQpM/U-VZU5kxppI/AAAAAAAACCo/sFhF59FVHXw/s1600/iphone+Photos+1327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wnft6sTsQpM/U-VZU5kxppI/AAAAAAAACCo/sFhF59FVHXw/s1600/iphone+Photos+1327.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Spent a great 4th of July with our cousins!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8aBLTO9MSrQ/U-VZh_qGaLI/AAAAAAAACCw/rXw5kTEDSo0/s1600/iphone+Photos+1324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8aBLTO9MSrQ/U-VZh_qGaLI/AAAAAAAACCw/rXw5kTEDSo0/s1600/iphone+Photos+1324.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Went to a 4th of July Parade. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vAJi0OVM6Qk/U-VZoo8JgoI/AAAAAAAACC4/b43DDL0asPo/s1600/iphone+Photos+1317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vAJi0OVM6Qk/U-VZoo8JgoI/AAAAAAAACC4/b43DDL0asPo/s1600/iphone+Photos+1317.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Took up slack lining. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cmlfGo9PHDg/U-VZ1-eKSVI/AAAAAAAACDA/yIU4wDFSReY/s1600/iphone+Photos+1255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cmlfGo9PHDg/U-VZ1-eKSVI/AAAAAAAACDA/yIU4wDFSReY/s1600/iphone+Photos+1255.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Spent a rainy afternoon at the Nelson Art Museum. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jhgoSRTCFp4/U-VZ6J5OTyI/AAAAAAAACDI/0aCbo-rpR_0/s1600/iphone+Photos+1253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jhgoSRTCFp4/U-VZ6J5OTyI/AAAAAAAACDI/0aCbo-rpR_0/s1600/iphone+Photos+1253.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jumped on the trampoline!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vDbgAjZUvbE/U-VaB6aAFfI/AAAAAAAACDQ/6kybWbtBLPQ/s1600/iphone+Photos+1236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vDbgAjZUvbE/U-VaB6aAFfI/AAAAAAAACDQ/6kybWbtBLPQ/s1600/iphone+Photos+1236.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Went to a few Royals games. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPB0Az1udc8/U-VaeQWAYgI/AAAAAAAACDg/0tUTXeUdkSA/s1600/iphone+Photos+1194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPB0Az1udc8/U-VaeQWAYgI/AAAAAAAACDg/0tUTXeUdkSA/s1600/iphone+Photos+1194.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Walked around the Overland Park Arboretum. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jv5BTcw4i40/U-VakZgBfUI/AAAAAAAACDo/Zumt34i_Myc/s1600/iphone+Photos+1189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jv5BTcw4i40/U-VakZgBfUI/AAAAAAAACDo/Zumt34i_Myc/s1600/iphone+Photos+1189.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Biked! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NCqCJOROFaY/U-VaurDw6SI/AAAAAAAACDw/Iz_Q3x-T9zU/s1600/iphone+Photos+1171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NCqCJOROFaY/U-VaurDw6SI/AAAAAAAACDw/Iz_Q3x-T9zU/s1600/iphone+Photos+1171.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Visited some gnomes and fairies. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ov0ReG2nkQw/U-Va2x9rb3I/AAAAAAAACD4/oJ2l35K_X1s/s1600/iphone+Photos+1168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ov0ReG2nkQw/U-Va2x9rb3I/AAAAAAAACD4/oJ2l35K_X1s/s1600/iphone+Photos+1168.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Played some board games. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vab9jDgvFQo/U-Va7SNhBCI/AAAAAAAACEA/oA0dAVaqHxM/s1600/iphone+Photos+1166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vab9jDgvFQo/U-Va7SNhBCI/AAAAAAAACEA/oA0dAVaqHxM/s1600/iphone+Photos+1166.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Went to the zoo. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rKYXjQDVzQI/U-VbG3W0zPI/AAAAAAAACEI/24KOKbdWpx8/s1600/iphone+Photos+1151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rKYXjQDVzQI/U-VbG3W0zPI/AAAAAAAACEI/24KOKbdWpx8/s1600/iphone+Photos+1151.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kayaked around Africa (at the zoo :-).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6sCWIXuWzSY/U-VbLw129CI/AAAAAAAACEQ/FVrK950YEyI/s1600/iphone+Photos+1146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6sCWIXuWzSY/U-VbLw129CI/AAAAAAAACEQ/FVrK950YEyI/s1600/iphone+Photos+1146.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Completely chilled out. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h4QnxDdO8yU/U-VbUBvdiII/AAAAAAAACEY/jFs5Hueab88/s1600/iphone+Photos+1134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h4QnxDdO8yU/U-VbUBvdiII/AAAAAAAACEY/jFs5Hueab88/s1600/iphone+Photos+1134.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Went fishing. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NlrPvNkpe0Q/U-VbvvzdvWI/AAAAAAAACEo/SC-vtlckr8o/s1600/iphone+Photos+1084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NlrPvNkpe0Q/U-VbvvzdvWI/AAAAAAAACEo/SC-vtlckr8o/s1600/iphone+Photos+1084.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Went camping. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CFdktlMqbfA/U-Vb2vcSS6I/AAAAAAAACEw/P_masvu0AwU/s1600/iphone+Photos+1075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CFdktlMqbfA/U-Vb2vcSS6I/AAAAAAAACEw/P_masvu0AwU/s1600/iphone+Photos+1075.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div><div align="center"><span id="goog_1192462901"></span><span id="goog_1192462902"></span>&nbsp;</div><div align="center">&nbsp;</div><div align="center">&nbsp;</div><div align="center">We went to Great Wolf Lodge. </div>&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ENyKjrjbBvU/U-VgH5TNI2I/AAAAAAAACE8/sKvnXfI8HIA/s1600/Great+Wolf+Lodge+May+2014+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ENyKjrjbBvU/U-VgH5TNI2I/AAAAAAAACE8/sKvnXfI8HIA/s1600/Great+Wolf+Lodge+May+2014+001.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">﻿</div><div align="left">What you don't see... movies, home made popscicles, firefly catching, flashlight tag, night swimming, ice cream sundaes, creating a chalk city in the driveway, going to the park, visiting Moon Marble Company, playing video games, building forts, making houses for the cat, lego building, nerf gun wars, slip n slide with friends, art camp, physics camp, baseball in the backyard...... We've had a GREAT summer!!! ﻿</div>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153216380438947038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094493966157780621.post-31912700547661361522014-07-28T11:03:00.000-07:002014-07-28T11:10:15.591-07:00Just Try!This morning I set out for an easy (slow) 3 mile run. You probably know by now that I'm one of those strange people the actually "likes" running. It clears my head and starts my day off right. What you probably don't know is that even a 3 mile run is still hard for me. I can't seem to make that 3 miles without stopping&nbsp;to walk. Maybe it's psychological, maybe it's a physical barrier or maybe my body is just too conditioned to NOT run 3 miles. Whatever the case, it's been a very long time since I've been able to RUN that distance without walking some&nbsp;- even running at a snail's pace. <br /><br />Today, I ran the WHOLE three miles! Then I ran another mile! Then I turned the corner and realized I either had to backtrack to get home (doing the math that would be an&nbsp;8 mile run) or I needed to run up a fairly daunting set of hills to get home. If you live in the area, you know that the hill from Nall up 119th to Mission Rd. and then Mission Rd to 127th is a bugger! <br /><br />I tried to run those hills on Saturday and stopped halfway through thinking I was going to need to call Steve to come get me. They. Kicked. My. Butt. <br /><br />Well, today I&nbsp; had to make it up those hills since Steve was at work. Since I didn't want to run 8 miles today, up the hills I went. I GAVE IT MY ALL AND I RAN THE WHOLE WAY!! It wasn't graceful. It wasn't pretty. At one point I flashed my sports bra at a car coming towards me since I had to wipe the sweat out of my eyes with my shirt. But I ran up those hills! I mastered every single one of them! As a bonus, I ended up running 6 miles! <br /><br />I tried this same thing on Saturday... and failed. Yesterday, after having conquered my fear of water sports last Monday and getting up on the kneeboard for the first time, I tried to turn a 360 on the board ... and failed. <br /><br />But I TRIED! Today I tried and succeeded. Yesterday I tried and failed. Tomorrow I might fail. Or, or might succeed. But I'm going to TRY something. I'm going to set a goal and TRY. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Don't worry about failures, worry about the chances you miss when you don't even try" ~ Jack Canfield</strong></span></div><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;*N&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/motivationalmonday?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=10152379963859064"></a><br />Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153216380438947038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094493966157780621.post-69713385046023363592014-07-23T09:51:00.001-07:002014-07-23T09:51:35.339-07:00Conquering a Fear - I Did It! On Monday I conquered a fear. Just writing that sentence makes it sound so simple. But it was not simple. This fear was bigger than me and has been for many years. Let me explain. <br /><br />When I was a kid, we had a swimming pool in our backyard. A gloriously huge, crystal blue, open 24/7, right in our backyard pool. I swam and swam and swam in that thing ... as long as there was someone else with me. If I was alone, I turned into a great big chicken! I had a ridiculous irrational fear that if I was in the deep end alone a shark would mysteriously come up through the drain and eat me. Not only that, but I thought I would drown. <br /><br />There, I put it out there. My fear is out there for the whole world to read. As much as I loved the pool, the ocean and even swimming in the lake, I quaked on the inside every time I faced a body of water alone. Mix this fear in with a lot of self-doubt and you have the makings of an "I can't do it" attitude. <br /><br />On Monday, I flipped the script. I literally turned my "I can't" into and "I can". We went boating with some great friends. The weather was great. The company was great. The kids were great. Steve took the day off of work and we just had some good family fun. Everyone else on the boat was reveling in all the water sports. I, however, don't do water sports but I&nbsp;WANTED to do watersports.&nbsp;See above paragraph for that explanation. ;-) <br /><br />My self-doubt was in full force. I'm not strong enough. I'm not coordinated enough. I'm not brave enough. I've never done it before. A lake shark is going to&nbsp;hunt me down. I'm going to get a brain eating amoeba (those are REAL!). I'll pull my back out. I'll break my neck and be paralyzed. I'll drown. Get the point???<br /><br />No one even asked if I was going to knee board or ski. I've never done it before so why would I do it now? My kids didn't push and prod. My husband didn't encourage me. They weren't being mean. They just know mommy doesn't do those kinds of things. Mommy is safe. Mommy is not a risk taker. Mommy doesn't "do" water sports. In fact, mommy barely does the swimming pool. <br /><br />But all day long I sat there watching everyone else having a great time. I was having fun watching them but I started thinking, why can't I at least try? What's the worst that could happen? Well, the worst that could happen is that I could die.&nbsp; The rope could get caught up in the motor and pull me in a chop me to pieces. However, I decided the likelihood of that happening was pretty slim. Probably the worst that could happen would be that I would fail. I wouldn't be able to get up on the board because I'm not strong enough. That's the worst that could happen. And that would be embarrassing! <br /><br />But, I was with friends. Really good friends. Friends that I knew wouldn't care if I failed. As far as my family goes, I knew they would just be proud of me for trying. It's something that I knew they would never in a million years expect me to try so they wouldn't care if&nbsp;failed or not. I knew they would be cheering me on no matter how pathetic I looked. <br /><br />So, I announced to everyone&nbsp;that was I going to try knee boarding. By "everyone" I mean the three other adults and 4 kids that were too busy scarfing down licorice to&nbsp;care about what I just said. <br /><br />The next thing I knew I was in the water (BY MYSELF WITH ALL THE SHARKS AND BRAIN EATING AMOEBAS) trying to figure out how in the world I was going to get my nearly 5'10" body up on that little board going I don't even know how fast. My kids made it look easy. My husband, friends and their kids made it look easy. It's NOT easy. (Colin making it look easy.) <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-19ylV8obb6w/U8_nev6rHwI/AAAAAAAAB-o/F9OLYCz7TqU/s1600/Colin+kneeboarding+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-19ylV8obb6w/U8_nev6rHwI/AAAAAAAAB-o/F9OLYCz7TqU/s1600/Colin+kneeboarding+(2).jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />The first go-around it was all I could do to hang onto the board. My legs were dangling in the water like two dead fish and I just knew that shark was coming for me. I really felt defeated and told everyone in the boat that I didn't think I could do it. And I&nbsp;REALLY didn't think I could. My arms and hands hurt but I decided to give it one more try.<br /><br />The boat started going, the board started going and I started to pull myself up. I got stuck halfway up because I couldn't figure out how to get my knees underneath me. That's sort of an important part of knee boarding. So I held on and kept calm. I tried with all my might and after what seemed like 2 hours, I got myself on the board.<br /><br />Ok, great. So I was on the board and strapped in. I grabbed the rope and nearly went flying from the force. I'm not sure why I didn't realize that grabbing the rope meant that you had to engage your core strength to keep your balance, but it shocked me. Best tricep and core workout ever, by the way. <br /><br />I was on. I was up. I was strapped in. I had control of the rope. Hearing everyone cheering me on from the boat, I&nbsp;was CERTAIN I looked like this: <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jr5Ld6CqyI4/U8_jCrjiAvI/AAAAAAAAB-c/PTgAeHV0j2U/s1600/kneeboarder+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jr5Ld6CqyI4/U8_jCrjiAvI/AAAAAAAAB-c/PTgAeHV0j2U/s1600/kneeboarder+5.jpg" height="210" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I felt amazing! I had conquered a fear! Lots of the them actually! I was in the water with sharks and brain eating amoebas all by myself. I was strong enough, talented enough and brave enough&nbsp;to do this! The best part about the whole thing... knowing that I had just shown my kids a different side of me. An adventurous side. A risk taker side. A fun side. A fear conquering side. I always tell my kids to just "try". Try something new. Try a new food. Try out for a sport. Try a harder level of book. Try a new gymnastics move. Try the faster batting cages. Just TRY! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But I never tried. My cop out was "Mommy doesn't do those things." Yet I expected my kids to try. This time, I TRIED! I failed the first time but I went back out and TRIED! And you know what, I didn't DIE! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's amazing how&nbsp;a small thing to everyone else can mean so much to someone else. My family goes out into the water like it's nothing. They ski, knee board, tube ... whatever. For me, this was a HUGE moment. It's one I won't EVER forget! It's etched in my&nbsp;mind forever because&nbsp;it's the day I really&nbsp;showed my family and&nbsp;myself &nbsp;that I have courage, skill and heart. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've told my husband that by this time next year, I want to learn how to surf. That means I have to go into the ocean where there REALLY are sharks. I REALLY could drown. Not to mention the jelly fish, sting rays, killer whales....oh my gosh what did I just get myself into?!?! But on the upside, I get a guaranteed ticket to the beach, so who cares if I die, right?! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today I encourage you to write down&nbsp;your fears. Write down what scares you. What you don't have the courage, the mental, physical or emotional strength to do. And then, DIVE IN! Don't think! Just do! Before you get too scared! I did and YOU CAN TOO! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By the way, after reviewing the photos that my friend took of me out there, I guess I looked more like this. ;-) But that's ok, I CONQUERED MY FEAR! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cEvflKAfUQQ/U8_i4Mi7vuI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/SapzgDlUy1A/s1600/kneeboarder+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cEvflKAfUQQ/U8_i4Mi7vuI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/SapzgDlUy1A/s1600/kneeboarder+4.png" height="167" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153216380438947038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094493966157780621.post-72213265106038130292014-04-25T08:13:00.000-07:002014-04-25T10:08:29.483-07:002 Year Olds Should Run the WorldTo the DAD in the school parking lot this morning,,,<br /><br />This morning when I dropped the boys off at school, there was a dad walking through the parking lot carrying his screaming 2 year old son like&nbsp;a stack of potatoes&nbsp;in his arms.&nbsp;The boy&nbsp;was throwing the mother of all fits. I have no idea what&nbsp;he was screaming about as his words were a mix of tears and sobs. The dad just kept silent and kept walking. I smiled to myself and offered him a, "You're doing a great job Dad" comment in solidarity for all the parents that have ever carried a fit throwing&nbsp;2 year old&nbsp;to the car.&nbsp;His response, with a weak smile and a soft voice, "I'm doing my best." <br /><br />When I came back to my car about 5 minutes later, the dad was still in the parking lot. He had made some progress by putting the boy in the car but the child was now screaming about his seat belt. That's a tough one. I remember this battle with my kids long ago. You wonder why they even think it's an option since in the last&nbsp;730 days, they've never traveled in a car without a seatbelt. And yet, there's the power struggle. Short of the dad putting his knee against the child and buckling him in, the dad was in for a long wait. <br /><br />I stopped at that moment and said a prayer for this dad. Whether he was just covering for one day for mom or this was his normal day job, this guy was going to need some back up. I couldn't really offer to buckle the child but I felt a huge amount of empathy for this guy. So I offered a prayer for his patience and for the son's submission.<br /><br />It's hard to start your day off with a fit throwing&nbsp;2&nbsp;year old. Thankfully, my kids are past this stage.&nbsp;I can send them to their rooms,&nbsp;send me to my room or just take&nbsp;away their prized electronics (sometimes copious amounts of wine helps too). &nbsp;But&nbsp;the stages of toddlerhood are a complicated quizzical mess.&nbsp;You can't reason with a 2 year old. You can't fully explain the ridiculousness of throwing an hour long fit to a 2 year old. You can't walk away and leave a&nbsp;2 year old alone in the house. <br /><br />I'm pretty convinced that 2 year olds should run the world. They're smart, driven and have great stamina for what they believe in. They will argue for hours&nbsp;because they are right. They possess an unnatural willpower that adults just don't have.&nbsp;They don't waver on their quick decisions (sneaking chocolate from the candy dish when you're not looking) and they can gather all the attention in the room with one loud scream. With a simple pouty face they have the world at their fingertips. They could care less what others think of them. They feel passion to their toes and let the world know it. They play hard and sleep hard and yet possess a ridiculous amount of energy to just keep going. <br /><br />Yes, 2 year olds should run the world. We'd have more nap times, more candy and more playing. We'd run the day without a schedule because 1 hour at the park might just not be enough. We might not share well and always play nicely but at the end of the day, we'd all go to bed knowing that we've had a full productive day of decisions, playtime&nbsp;and eating with our fingers instead of utensils. <br /><br />Someday, I hope&nbsp;a 2 year old&nbsp;will run&nbsp;the world with the same passion that&nbsp;they have right now! There might be some crying and fit throwing during&nbsp;their reign, but I bet there would also be a lot more laughter! So here's to all the two year olds out there...cheers to you my sweet little friends.<br /><br />Wouldn't you want one of these boys to run the world? <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4hYu_h4nL2w/U1p7Cf-GbuI/AAAAAAAAB9k/Dz8sVazTuDs/s1600/DSC03542+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4hYu_h4nL2w/U1p7Cf-GbuI/AAAAAAAAB9k/Dz8sVazTuDs/s1600/DSC03542+(2).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br />Okay, maybe one of these boys instead.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BFJxOKg_9-c/U1p7OtoaNEI/AAAAAAAAB9s/e9Mc5Fi8AEk/s1600/DSC03544+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BFJxOKg_9-c/U1p7OtoaNEI/AAAAAAAAB9s/e9Mc5Fi8AEk/s1600/DSC03544+(2).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153216380438947038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094493966157780621.post-67015157612700763182014-03-28T08:22:00.000-07:002014-03-28T08:22:19.167-07:00I Told My Child NoLast night, I told my child something that I have never&nbsp;told him&nbsp;before. <br /><br />I told him no. <br /><br />Before you all go crazy on me for my coddling ways, let me explain. <br /><br />My child asked me last night to snuggle with him. I had just said prayers, read aloud for&nbsp;nearly 30&nbsp;minutes, sat in his room and talked for 5 minutes and left him there to ponder sleepy thoughts. About 2 minutes later, he walked downstairs saying he couldn't sleep and was feeling very worried and scared. <br /><br />We discussed the issues at hand (although it's hard to reason with a child at 9:30pm about why they won't be the ONE child that is snatched off the street and killed by a kidnapper). His thoughts were racing. His voice was shaking. And I told him no. <br /><br />It's not been a great week. Steve is out of town. I've had a cold.&nbsp;I've been double booked with kid activities every night this week and I'm the only taxi cab. I've run errands, cooked every meal, cleaned every dish, volunteered 3 days at school, steam cleaned the carpets from the fiasco with the dog in the mud, helped&nbsp;with pinewood derby cars, monitored homework and tried to troubleshoot video games. <br /><br />Last night I was looking forward to the one night of TV that I really enjoy (Parenthood) and I just needed some downtime. I needed to de-stress, clear the clutter from my brain and turn off my mind. <br /><br />So I told my son no.<br /><br />It was 9:30pm and he wanted me to stay in his room until he fell asleep. That meant me crowding into his already tiny twin bed (half of it is covered with stuffed animals) and then sitting on the floor by his&nbsp;bed holding his hand, rubbing his back or going through sleep techniques with him. &nbsp;<br /><br />I told him I was tired, still had to&nbsp;let the dog outside (monitored by me because of her bad dog tendencies with the giant hole of mud in the backyard) and that I really needed some down time. <br /><br />I was honest with him. <br /><br />He said he understood. <br /><br />So why do I feel so guilty? <br /><br />I know I am probably only months away from him not asking me to snuggle. I know&nbsp;I probably just sealed some sort of unwritten code in his mind to never ask me to snuggle again. My child (I know how his brain thinks) is now going to think that my down time super cedes his need to snuggle. He's a martyr in that way. He will give me what I need and sacrifice what he needs.&nbsp;I love that about him. But I don't love that about him. He's very good (without even trying) of making me reflect on my own behavior. <br /><br />Realizing that I still feel guilty this morning about not making the time for him last night, I probably didn't do the right thing. I could have given 20 more minutes. <br /><br />But then, the pendulum swings the other way and I think I should let myself off the hook from feeling guilty. I had already given and hour (from start to finish) with the bedtime process. I read aloud much longer than normal knowing that he was not asleep yet. The other child was&nbsp;asleep when his head hit the pillow. <br /><br />The guilt of motherhood is a powerful thing. I left my son in a perfectly safe room with perfectly safe thoughts (I prayed with him after tucking him in again) to fall asleep. And yet, I still feel guilty. <br /><br />I know the old saying, "If mama' ain't happy, ain't nobody happy". And the adage, "You need to take care of yourself first so then you can take care of others". We're reminded of that one every time we get on an airplane. <br /><br />If it's socially acceptable (and even encouraged) to take care of ourselves first, why do we feel so guilty about it?&nbsp;&nbsp;Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153216380438947038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094493966157780621.post-76878575711211552242014-03-03T18:57:00.002-08:002014-03-03T18:57:54.290-08:00To Colin, On Your 10th BirthdayFirst of all, I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU ARE 10!!!<br /><br />Where has the time gone? I can still remember like it was yesterday waking up on March 3, 2004 and knowing I was going to meet you that day.&nbsp; Daddy was just getting up for work (around 5:30am) and I woke up and felt a nauseating pain roll through my body. Having never been in labor before I wasn't exactly sure that it wasn't just my imagination. I tried to go back to sleep but after Daddy got out of the shower I told him I didn't think he would be going to work that day. At 11:32am you joined our family 3 weeks before you due date. You were tiny and perfect. From the first moment I saw you I didn't want to let you go. <br /><br />When the nurses offered to take you out of our room so Daddy and I could get some sleep, we turned them down every time. We just couldn't get enough of you. Of course, by about 4 weeks later we would have given anything for a solid 3 hours of sleep. But I still wouldn't trade those late nights and early mornings for anything. I remember rocking you to sweet lullabies until we both fell asleep. I also remember having a stiff neck and a sore back from sleeping in a chair so much. <br /><br />You were a horrible sleeper but now that I know you sleep on your belly, it all makes sense. You would nap for 15 minutes at a time and sleep for *maybe* two hours at a time. This continued until you were over a year old. I guess we paid our dues because now it is very rare that you come in and wake us up. I must admit, hearing you say you want to snuggle with me makes me so happy even now. <br /><br />My sweet baby Colin ... that's what I called you. I still call you that and it brings this wry smile to your face. You have to faintest dimple that only appears when you have a genuine giggle. If I had know 9 years ago what I now know about you, things would make so much more sense. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wjxseg2NwLE/UxVAK3klyfI/AAAAAAAAB80/JIZynf9fhZM/s1600/Colin's+10th+Birthday+2014+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wjxseg2NwLE/UxVAK3klyfI/AAAAAAAAB80/JIZynf9fhZM/s1600/Colin's+10th+Birthday+2014+026.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Your sensitivity and need for structure are things that we just didn't know about you when you were a toddler. It would have explained so much to us when you would break down in tears at the circus or cry when we wouldn't let you drag things out of the cupboard and put them in order. <br /><br />Colin, you are one of the kindest kids I know. You have a huge heart and you are so sensitive to the way others feel. You have a remarkable sense to show empathy and sympathy at the exact right times. Although others don't see you anxiety, Daddy and I know it is there. You hold things in and get overwhelmed with the weight of the world on you shoulders. You always come out of those situations stronger and you have come to realize on your own when things are starting to overflow. <br /><br />You are crazy smart. Although I have no idea what your profession will be, I do know that you will be a loyal friend and a person that everyone can count on to do the right thing. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6gmVBJkFiE/UxVAgFy7QoI/AAAAAAAAB88/tAv-HcIU1gI/s1600/Colin's+10th+Birthday+2014+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6gmVBJkFiE/UxVAgFy7QoI/AAAAAAAAB88/tAv-HcIU1gI/s1600/Colin's+10th+Birthday+2014+032.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />I love you with all of my heart and wish a the happiest 10th Birthday a boy could have. You're still my sweet baby Colin and always will be. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hw8GnJkqdQs/UxVA-XRjGJI/AAAAAAAAB9M/exx23VOyS3U/s1600/Colin's+10th+Birthday+2014+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hw8GnJkqdQs/UxVA-XRjGJI/AAAAAAAAB9M/exx23VOyS3U/s1600/Colin's+10th+Birthday+2014+016.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153216380438947038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094493966157780621.post-22632029936747945802014-02-25T16:48:00.001-08:002014-02-25T18:23:34.660-08:00High School- What It Was, And What It Wasn'tHigh School for me was a never ending source of happiness and a never ending source of sadness. Looking back on it now, I wonder what I ever had to be sad about. I know a few things dug deep into my heart that I'm not quite ready to share here yet. But most of them were silly nonsense that only a teenager could turn into dramatic events. <br /><br />I don't think I was a difficult teenager (compared to others and compared to stories I hear now of parents of teenage girls). But, as the saying goes, what my parents didn't know won't hurt them. That is how the saying goes, right? Or maybe it's, "What my parents know now, they can't ground me for because I'm too old." <br /><br />This is a&nbsp;post that might come in several installments because I have a lot of memories about high school. Let's just start with these...<br /><br />Here a&nbsp; few of the many things I remember about high school...<br /><br />One of the first people that comes to mind when I think about high school is Sam. I went to school with him from Kindergarten through my senior year. My classmates might be surprised by this (of the many things I can and do remember, he is forefront on my mind). I remember working on homecoming projects at his house every year. His parents were so welcoming and inviting. Seemingly the perfect family. Happy, nice, content, giving, sweet sweet people. I remember Sam on the basketball court. He was so tall, even back then and even though he was lanky, he wasn't awkward on the basketball court. He was amazing to watch and such a nice guy. It was a shock to find out that this Jayhawk loving happy guy was no longer with us just a few short years after we graduated. We were told he took his own life. It's just hard to imagine that anyone with that much happiness in his family would feel so desperate to not want to be on this earth anymore. My heart still tugs when I think of him. We have no idea what battles others are facing. Be kind. Be nice. All of the time. A simple smile or genuine act of concern could save someone, literally. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c8G-csvzD3E/Uw01DVADp1I/AAAAAAAAB8Y/o8iP-v50vP4/s1600/High+School+Photos+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c8G-csvzD3E/Uw01DVADp1I/AAAAAAAAB8Y/o8iP-v50vP4/s1600/High+School+Photos+024.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JqB4CTGBqnQ/Uw00Z9QIWMI/AAAAAAAAB74/XKCJPDwM55Q/s1600/High+School+Photos+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JqB4CTGBqnQ/Uw00Z9QIWMI/AAAAAAAAB74/XKCJPDwM55Q/s1600/High+School+Photos+027.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tuDJ7dcixrY/Uw00iLkBHjI/AAAAAAAAB8A/tYXr6x1XNL4/s1600/High+School+Photos+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tuDJ7dcixrY/Uw00iLkBHjI/AAAAAAAAB8A/tYXr6x1XNL4/s1600/High+School+Photos+026.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I also remember thinking it was the absolute end of the world when I failed Algebra II. I HATED math. Still do. Letters should not be allowed in mathematical equations. Realistically the only math that a normal person going to use within the general scope of a job is addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, some fractions, percentages and maybe some decimals on a very bad day. Have you EVER used the FOIL method? If you answer yes to that question, then I consider you to be one of the smartest people in the world (this category includes my husband). I would beat my head against a wall if I had to use this on a daily basis. Because I failed a class, I couldn't run for Student Council that year. It nearly crushed me. Student Council was the one thing in high school that nourished my Type A OCD personality. The meetings, agendas, check lists, to do lists, deadlines...oh how I loved them. All those things led up to fun skating parties, homecoming events, fundraisers. Those were the things I couldn't&nbsp;live without. &nbsp;I was genuinely surprised and mad that my teacher failed me. I asked questions. I reworked my papers. I retook tests. I did my homework.&nbsp;I stayed for tutoring. (Remember the tutors that came in from Boeing?) I constantly asked for help. I still don't think it's fair that I failed and will&nbsp;hold a grudge against the FOIL method&nbsp;for all of eternity. I retook Algebra II the next year and scratched my way to a C. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dKund203sh0/Uw02WulLWRI/AAAAAAAAB8k/KfV_TeMVCB4/s1600/High+School+Photos+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dKund203sh0/Uw02WulLWRI/AAAAAAAAB8k/KfV_TeMVCB4/s1600/High+School+Photos+009.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br />Another one of my extra curricular activities was soccer. I absolutely loved playing soccer but I wasn't very good. I knew it then and I know it now. But here's the cool&nbsp;thing, no one ever said anything about my lack of ability. Girl's soccer was new at my high school when I was a junior so pretty&nbsp;much if you walked&nbsp;onto the field, you were on the team. I could kick the ball pretty well when no one was around to chase,&nbsp;block or try to steal the ball away from me.&nbsp;Other than that, I was a lost cause. But I loved it. I never&nbsp;scored a goal and never really contributed much to the games other than being a warm body on the field. My teammates&nbsp;never once made me feel&nbsp;like the poor player that I was. Nope.&nbsp;We were a team. Every member of the team was pushed to their ability (even though some player's abilities far out shined the others) and were treated&nbsp;equally. It's a far cry from what I see my boys going through now. As second and fourth graders their lack of athletic ability has greatly hindered their playing time&nbsp;on any team. They get put last on the&nbsp;roster, last at bat, stuck in the outfield and told that they won't be accepted onto the team&nbsp;since they haven't been playing competitively for the last 15 years. &nbsp;My soccer team did want to win but we also wanted to have fun doing it. I'm so grateful that I got to be a part of a team like that! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C9N4kmwDAv4/Uw00pPPsMmI/AAAAAAAAB8M/WCxcydrPLco/s1600/High+School+Photos+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C9N4kmwDAv4/Uw00pPPsMmI/AAAAAAAAB8M/WCxcydrPLco/s1600/High+School+Photos+021.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>In the fall of my senior year I realized that I had enough credits to cut my high school hours short and attend college classes my last semester. I had to have certain teachers and sponsors sign off that they thought I could handle the work load. I was in a lot of activities at the time and one of my activity sponsors refused to sign off for me. She told me she didn't think I could handle college classes and still complete high school. She was mean, rude, demeaning and altogether&nbsp;unsupportive. Again, I was surprised and mad. I can't say that's the reason I went into teaching or administration but it probably propelled me in that direction. In then end, I got the signature, dropped more than half of my high school classes (I only attended high school three hours a day) and went on to complete 15 credit hours that semester of college classes with straight A's in everything. All I can say now is, "Ha!" <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tYtV6WqqNL4/Uw0olNZxIgI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/939MJzlckEE/s1600/High+School+Photos+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tYtV6WqqNL4/Uw0olNZxIgI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/939MJzlckEE/s1600/High+School+Photos+007.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br />Of course high school wouldn't be high school without friends. I had a few close friends, a lot of good friends and many classmates. It saddens me that I didn't keep in touch with any of my friends from high school. There's only one person that I talk to occasionally (other than the ones I happen to be related to now through marriage - which is still a little strange to me - but in a good way). Some of those were friendships that I really thought would stand the test of time. I didn't invest time in those friendships in the coming years and at this point, that's a big regret. Over the past few weeks I have learned of two classmates that have died. It breaks my heart that their families are grieving. It also breaks my heart that our class of 1992 is aging into our years where our bodies will start to fail. Yes, we're just turning 40 but isn't it all downhill from here? We have marriages, jobs, kids, mortgages and some even have grand kids. So hard to believe. I would love to go through this season of life with some of my best friends from way back when. So much time has passed. So many milestones have been missed. It makes me sad that I didn't invest more in those friendships. The "Never Say Goodbye" theme seems like an oxymoron now since we were all clamoring to say goodbye and get out of there. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8AhRydZ4kog/Uw0pU35PQ1I/AAAAAAAAB7g/WjG9YDlD_TA/s1600/High+School+Photos+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8AhRydZ4kog/Uw0pU35PQ1I/AAAAAAAAB7g/WjG9YDlD_TA/s1600/High+School+Photos+005.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153216380438947038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094493966157780621.post-47675202905085137412014-02-20T18:08:00.001-08:002014-02-20T18:24:04.641-08:00Porch Lights for HaileyThis weekend I am going to sit down with my boys and talk with them about this video. I am going to use it as a teaching tool so that they understand that being polite and being safe are two completely different things. We have taught them&nbsp;over and over that you are polite and helpful to others. I need to make sure that they understand that in some situations, being polite is just not necessary. While the thought of our own kids being kidnapped is a hard subject to face, I beg all of you to talk with your kids about the realities of these situations happening more and more. <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://fox4kc.com/2014/02/19/investigation-watch-what-happens-when-a-stranger-asks-three-kids-for-directions/">Fox 4 Stranger Danger Video</a><br /><br /><br />We teach them not to play with matches, to test the bath water before they get in, to chew their food so they don't choke, we teach them all of these things to keep them safe. Please don't ignore teaching about stranger danger just because it's scary. It will be infinitely more scary to lose your child. <br /><br />I know with my own children this can not be a breezy conversation that I have with them one night before bed. They will worry. They will fret. They sill be scared. They will ask questions. This talk will lead to conversations about robbers breaking in, children being killed and why there are bad people in the world. I have to tread lightly to draw a line between teaching my children and scaring them out of their minds. The age of innocence is gone. The age of playing outside with your friends all day without a parent in sight are gone. The age of walking to school by yourself, setting up a lemonade stand and the end of your street and flashlight tag with neighbor friends may never be experienced by our children. But guess what? This gives you, the parents the opportunity to be involved. Take a interest. Garden while your kids are outside. Ride your bike to school with them. Be present. And leave your porch light on for Hailey. Ours is on in Leawood, KS. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p4zpTRA3l2c/UwatVXBZVeI/AAAAAAAAB6w/-EQUpoYTDmg/s1600/February+2014+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p4zpTRA3l2c/UwatVXBZVeI/AAAAAAAAB6w/-EQUpoYTDmg/s1600/February+2014+043.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Hailey didn't willingly get in the car with her kidnapper. She didn't hang at the door and answer his questions. She didn't take the bait of candy, a puppy or whatever this man was presenting to get her into that car. He pulled her into the car. She got just close enough for him to grab her. It's not enough anymore to teach our kids to ignore strangers. Even if she had completely ignored him, he still could have grabbed her. We have to teach our kids to run,&nbsp;scream, yell, act like a lunatic...whatever it takes to&nbsp;not be grabbed into that car. <br /><br />Although the police stated that Hailey didn't know her kidnapper, he could have easily worked at her school. As it was, he worked at a middle school. Let me rephrase this....&nbsp;He.Worked.With. KIDS. How this happens, I have NO idea. Background checks would have turned up his two prior crimes but neither involved children so I guess that makes it ok for a person to work with children? I&nbsp;don't know&nbsp;what the solution is here, but it's not just enough to teach our kids not to talk to strangers. They really shouldn't be approached by any adult to get in a car, give directions, look at a puppy, take a piece of candy....So once again, we have to teach our kids that not talking to adults (stranger or not) isn't being rude, it's being safe. <br /><br />As a side note:&nbsp; When I was in elementary school I was out on Halloween night trick or treating with my friends. I was a few blocks behind them. As I walked down the street by myself to catch up with them, a man approached me in his car and asked me to get in. I remember being scared out of my mind. I had never seen the man before and was certain that I didn't know him. I ran up to the nearest house and knocked on the door. I told the&nbsp;woman that answered the door that I was just asked by someone to get in their car.&nbsp;I was shaking and&nbsp;crying. She got me a glass of water and let me sit in her house for a few minutes. I&nbsp;am certain she didn't call the police or my parents. I wish she would have done both. But she did&nbsp;drive me down the street to catch up with my friends. I didn't know her but I felt safe with. Looking back on it now, I am so very very thankful that I learned how to react if anyone ever approached me. That situation could have had a much different ending. It scared me enough that I still remember it to this day. I didn't talk to the man. I didn't get in his car. These are the same lessons we need to teach our children. Over and over again. Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153216380438947038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094493966157780621.post-73618917974749690862014-02-20T15:47:00.001-08:002014-02-20T15:59:10.664-08:00Taking Care of Me? &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For the last year and a half I feel like I have been in a state of limbo land. For seven years I stayed home with my boys and did all the things that moms do when they stay home.&nbsp;I played Legos. I cooked. I cleaned. I put puzzles together. I went to the park. I scheduled play dates. I ran boys back and forth to preschool. I kept us busy, fed and clean (for the most part). I dished out hugs, band aids, popsicles, time outs and few bad mommy moments here and there.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But I felt like I never lived "in the moment". I tried to relish in the day-to-day laughter. I wanted to enjoy play Legos for the four thousandth time.&nbsp;I pretended to sing along to The Wiggles even though I loathed that show. I put on a smile when&nbsp;my boys&nbsp;said "watch me" nearly every second of every day. All in all, I had a pretty bad attitude about being a stay at home mom.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2JLYdTjIo44/UwaTUCxSLcI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/4C00QWx4PJQ/s1600/Lego+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2JLYdTjIo44/UwaTUCxSLcI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/4C00QWx4PJQ/s1600/Lego+2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;&nbsp; I decided it wasn't enough. The grass is greener on the other side, ya know? I wanted something more. Something that would fill me up. Something that would challenge me (differently than a 2 year old challenges you). So, I took a full time job. <br />&nbsp;&nbsp; And my heart seized. I loved my job but man, it was hard. It was hard to give over control to my husband. He was the one getting the boys ready for school. Packing lunches, checking homework and taking the boys to school. After that being my routine for so many years, I was kicked out.&nbsp;Pushed aside. It was hard to stand back and watch. I felt like an outsider. It got easier and it got harder. Easier on the days when I still had enough energy when I got home from work to play outside with the boys. Harder when one of them was sick and Steve was the one to stay home. Easier when I got a snow day off work. Harder when I had to work summer days. <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Then, it all stopped. I went from being a stay at home mom, to a full time working mom and back to a stay at home mom all in a year. <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And here I am&nbsp;today. But I don't know where I fit. When I went to work full time it was the first year Cam was in school all day. All of those "things" I thought I would be doing that year (prior to taking a full time job) were put on hold. You know, painting, major yard work, actually having lunch with friends, getting my house in order, cleaning out closets, going to a movie (during the day!!!). Now my boys are in school full time and I've been a stay at home mom for a year and a half. To give myself a little credit, it was sort of a whirlwind until spring last year because we were still unpacking and getting settled into our new house. <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But still, I'm supposed to be taking care of "me". I don't know how to do that. I've never done that. I've always taken care of others (my children to be specific). I still have a hard time defining what "taking care of me" means. Does it mean I get my nails done every week? Well, no, because I don't want my nails done. Does it mean I get a massage once a month? Well, no, because I can't afford that. Does it mean I read in a comfy chair by the fire while my kids are at school? Well, no, because I'd probably fall asleep and then not pick them up from school. <br /><br />Love the photo? <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wT_3mRfi5GQ/UwaT5TiI02I/AAAAAAAAB6g/1qWm0hYK5RY/s1600/First+Day+of+3rd+and+1st+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wT_3mRfi5GQ/UwaT5TiI02I/AAAAAAAAB6g/1qWm0hYK5RY/s1600/First+Day+of+3rd+and+1st+2012.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;&nbsp; I had these really&nbsp;amazing images of working out every morning and spending the rest of my day puttering around my cozy house that oozed tranquility and peace. Truth be told, I&nbsp;have so much cat fur in my bathtub that I'd have to scrub it out before I could even take a bath. My scentsy makes my nose itch and if I don't start my exercise before 9am, it's not going to happen that day. I don't feel like downloading and organizing my 5,000 photos so that I can make cute scrap books. Shopping for home decor&nbsp;is not my favorite sport and shopping for clothes is my kryptonite. I can't knit (have no interest in learning), it's been winter for the past 14 months so I can't garden and I volunteer enough at my boys' school that I feel like Norm from Cheers. I do volunteer. I serve others. I donate. I pray. I attend a women's group. But I don't feel refreshed. <br />&nbsp;&nbsp; So, how do I take care of me? Do I deserve to take care of me? What does that mean, "Take care of me?" For a fleeting moment I thought that maybe if I had a bottle of wine during the day, that might qualify as taking care of me. It's probably a good thing that thought didn't last very long. <br />&nbsp;&nbsp; I know there are plenty of you out that with great ideas on what it means to&nbsp;"take care of you". So, what&nbsp;do you do? After all the house work, chores, to do lists....how&nbsp;do you take care of you? <br /><br /><br /><br />Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153216380438947038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094493966157780621.post-89283373868089851002014-02-19T06:52:00.001-08:002014-02-19T06:52:12.990-08:00To Cam, On Your 8th BirthdayTo Cam on Your 8th Birthday, <br /><br />While this letter is about a month late, it doesn't mean I love you&nbsp;any less. It means that we have been so busy spending time as a family that I haven't had time to sit down and write what I truly want about you and the fact that you are another year older. <br /><br />In the blink of an eye you have gone from being my little boy to a sweet young man. You continue to amaze me with your quick wit and your ability to make me laugh in the spur of the moment. I have also realized that in combination with your sense of humor, that you feel and care very deeply for others. Your compassion runs deep which is seen in how you are affected when others are hurting or when someone has hurt you. <br /><br />Sometimes I treat you as if you are much much older than your young 8 years. It seems that I can't remember a life without you. It seems that you have always been a part of this family. I tend to treat you like you are older and give you more responsibility and expect more from you than maybe you are ready for. After all, you are only 8 years old. <br /><br />You are a brilliant boy with an amazing creativity that shines through in your art and writing. You amaze me everyday in how you practice and persevere with your gymnastics. When your coach gives you a task, you tackle it with full force and come back the following week having mastered the skill. I think even your coach is amazed at your ability. <br /><br />Cam you are a kind and loving boy. You are friends with everyone and everyone wants to be your friend. I am honored that I was chosen to be your mom. We are blessed to have you in our family and can't imagine a world without you in it! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2IIghJzdFCM/UwTEnlH7PeI/AAAAAAAAB6I/zsQscTDHiLo/s1600/Fall+2013+134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2IIghJzdFCM/UwTEnlH7PeI/AAAAAAAAB6I/zsQscTDHiLo/s1600/Fall+2013+134.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153216380438947038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094493966157780621.post-24697810908843804522013-08-27T11:17:00.000-07:002013-08-27T13:52:07.970-07:00The Cat That Wasn't Really Lost (Also Titled: Why I Drank Three Glasses of Wine Last Night) Prior to leaving to pick the boys up from school yesterday, I gave our sweet kitten a nice big bowl of stinky canned cat food. She was happily gulping it down when I left.<br /><br />Upon arriving&nbsp;home from school we had a nice little visit from Aunt Roxanne and Uncle Ron who were passing through KC in their way home from a vacation.&nbsp; We all sat and chatted for a few minutes in the family room. Then the boys went cat hunting. Aunt Roxanne assured them that she had seen the cat. Pet the cat. Held the cat. <br /><br />After thirty minutes of searching and reassuring the boys that the cat HAD to be inside because all the doors had been shut since we walked in from school, I realized that the back door had been left open. Crap! <br /><br />So the search continued. And continued. And continued. Three hours of searching. One boy in his room crying. Another boy not really understanding that when I say, "I have no idea where the cat could be", what I really mean is, "Ah crap. We've lost the cat. I'm done. No more pets for me. I can't take this anymore." <br /><br />Then, while one crying boy sat on my lap, we found the cat. In the ottoman. <br /><br />Now, you're probably asking yourself, "How could you not see the cat on the ottoman?" <br /><br />Just to be clear, I said IN the ottoman. <br /><br />Here, let me show you. <br /><br />Here's the ottoman in the family room where we sat talking. Pretty innocent looking, right? <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P9JRSAPtM3w/UhzSjlsm0bI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/bH2CIsKC3_o/s1600/July+2013+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P9JRSAPtM3w/UhzSjlsm0bI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/bH2CIsKC3_o/s320/July+2013+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ahhh, but here's the ottoman turned upside down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--C0LrBDZ2WM/UhzqNBWQ7DI/AAAAAAAAB5o/ypbDtxlUiLY/s1600/July+2013+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--C0LrBDZ2WM/UhzqNBWQ7DI/AAAAAAAAB5o/ypbDtxlUiLY/s320/July+2013+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here, take a closer look. See how that one edge is pulled away from the structure of the ottoman? Our sweet kind little kitten pulled the fabric away from the staples to make&nbsp;a nice cozy little hammock for herself. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pyo6BR-FDiE/UhzqeVfj7PI/AAAAAAAAB5w/kM5NrSR6KwA/s1600/July+2013+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pyo6BR-FDiE/UhzqeVfj7PI/AAAAAAAAB5w/kM5NrSR6KwA/s320/July+2013+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So when you are frantically searching for your cat that is in a food coma from all the yummy deliciously smelly canned food she just ate, she is sound asleep IN the ottoman like this. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I_jwdgZbthg/UhzrRoEwKtI/AAAAAAAAB54/-WWv02lAQI4/s1600/July+2013+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I_jwdgZbthg/UhzrRoEwKtI/AAAAAAAAB54/-WWv02lAQI4/s320/July+2013+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, when you move the ottoman&nbsp;FOUR&nbsp;times just to make sure she is not underneath, you can't see her sleeping IN the ottoman. Not a peep from her. No meowing. No purring, No scratching or moving. Remember, she is in a full bellied sleep coma. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As the boys and I searched the house for THREE hours carrying around an open can of cat food to lure her out, we had no idea she was IN the very ottoman that I sat on while typing my lame&nbsp;"lost cat" post on Facebook. I am certain Cookie was&nbsp;laughing silently&nbsp;at me the whole time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While I know there is a lesson to be learning in this, I am not sure what it is. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On second thought&nbsp;maybe it's "Always keep a stocked bar", because that's what I needed after three hour of searching and two stressed out kids. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">﻿</div>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153216380438947038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094493966157780621.post-49528301715121444742013-08-20T20:32:00.002-07:002013-08-20T20:32:22.096-07:00Two ThingsTwo things happened today. <br /><br />Cam asked me to tie his shoes. Specifically he said, "Mommy, will you tie my shoes?" He said mommy. My heart melted.<br /><br />Tonight at bedtime Colin held out his arms as he was&nbsp;crawling into bed for me to give him a hug. He held on for a long time. And then whispered in my ear, "Mom, I really love you". My heart melted. <br /><br />My boys are growing up so fast and yet they are both still so young. Today took me back years ago when nap times and sippy cups defined my days. <br /><br />Sometimes it's hard to love the season that we are in. I desperately miss those sticky kisses and pudgy boy fingers wrapped around my neck. <br /><br />I love my big boys but I miss my little boys too. <br /><br /><br />Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153216380438947038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094493966157780621.post-91157623817032333282013-08-19T09:55:00.000-07:002013-08-19T09:55:11.653-07:00Dear Muscle Head...Dear Muscle Head (and your Muscle Head Friend Blocking My Car), <br /><br />I have a very busy schedule today. In the time that it took you to roll out of bed and arrive at the gym, I have already packed school lunches, dropped both kids off at school, paid some bills, read the newspaper, exercised for an hour and thirty minutes and stopped by the post office. Now I need to shower, do a load of laundry, plant the three mums I bought this weekend, wash the dishes, clean the kitchen, balance out my household budget, go to the grocery store and find a solution for world peace all before I pick up my&nbsp;kids at 3:30pm. <br /><br />But I digress, back to the subject, could you please kindly NOT block my super cool mini van in the ever packed Lifetime Fitness parking lot when I walk out at 9:40am? I realize the parking lot is full but it appears to me that you and your muscle headed buddy are either stupid or rude. Maybe a little of both. <br /><br />Your God's gift to women (aged 22-28) attitudes have no effect of my late-thirties brain. Yes, you have super human biceps and your quads scrape together as you walk. But I rock some amazing crows feet near my eyes that can only be placed there by years of sleep deprivation due to my stellar parenting skills of walking and rocking my babies while they screamed each night. You don't come by my extra pounds and twitchy bad back easily. You have to work on years of stress eating, baby lifting, lego floor playing and mac n cheese dinners to look like this. <br /><br />Hence, the reason I am AT a fitness club. Last week I was in la la land as I exercised at 1pm. I should have known better than to arrive mid-morning rush but it seems that you are in no rush. You are standing there drinking your crap GNC protein shake (I can see the four pound canister sitting in your beat up Impala) talking about God know's what with your sidekick Robin in his way too tight matchy matchy outfit. <br /><br />Your mothers would be embarrassed at your treatment of elders. As I walked to my car and pointed saying, "This is my car", I assumed you would understand that my tired, sweaty body was getting ready to leave. Instead you checked yourself in the mirror five more times. I'm not sure why you were checking yourself in the mirror since you literally had no hair. Again, maybe due to your crap GNC shake. <br /><br />I know I sound angry but I'm really not. I'm dismayed. The fact that you and your buddy could stand in the parking lot talking with his car sitting idle directly behind mine is baffling to me. <br />I thought that by starting my car and putting it in reverse, you might take the hint. Maybe years of too loud music piped into your ears while you lift massive weights has made you deaf. Or maybe at some point those massive weights were dropped on your head. <br /><br />Here's the kicker, when I finally got out of my car and asked you and your friend to move, I realized you were both actually employees of the gym. Bravo. Now I have your names from your cute shiny name tags. I'm pretty sure it's frowned upon to treat your guests like a nuisance to your otherwise very busy and important job. <br /><br />I was a little awestruck to be in the gym last week. With all the shiny equipment, flashing televisions and never ending supplies of towels, you had me hooked. Then this morning I drove into a packed parking lot, had to witness lots of naked ladies in the locker room, felt like an out of date idiot in my one good work out shirt while all the cute thin little ladies ran a 6.30 mile in their perfectly thought out running gear. From start to finish I felt out of place, out of touch and out of breath. <br /><br />The parking lot debacle left a bad feeling in my brain and a tiny bit of resentment that I'm almost 40. I'll still make it to the gym tomorrow but probably not until 1pm. I think I'll go eat a cookie now. Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153216380438947038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094493966157780621.post-56641260873729713102013-07-21T20:24:00.001-07:002013-07-21T20:27:50.197-07:00The "Lazy" Summer 2013The kids and I make a list every summer of the activities we want to do during our lazy summer days. As you might suspect, this list makes the summer not so lazy. <br /><br />While some people make easy summer lists that include things like "catch a frog" or "blow bubbles in the back yard", our list is easy for the kids but sometimes difficult for me. Weather, attitudes, budget, and Steve's availability all play a role in how I plan our activities. <br /><br />With that said, summer is fun but exhausting. Isn't that how it should be though? I have my&nbsp;moments of longing for the kids to be back in school but for the most part, I enjoy having my kids home. I enjoy seeing them decompress, laugh and be carefree. Being carefree takes a lot of work! <br /><br /><br />Here's our list and what we've done so far.....<br /><br /><span style="color: #274e13;"><strong>COMPLETED!</strong></span><br /><strong><span style="color: #274e13;"></span></strong><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;">GO TO NEIGHBORHOOD POOL </span><br /><div align="center"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Like, a zillion times.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #134f5c;">&nbsp;</span>﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R469mqSsFX8/UeyOPAdwXRI/AAAAAAAAB1E/fEydVU5jmkU/s1600/pool.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R469mqSsFX8/UeyOPAdwXRI/AAAAAAAAB1E/fEydVU5jmkU/s1600/pool.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center">﻿</div><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;">PLAY DATES </span><br /><div align="center"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Both kids have had several play dates.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #134f5c;">&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JoSCqWbEtug/UeyYRHcXfJI/AAAAAAAAB28/wq_SB26l9ls/s1600/egg+drop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JoSCqWbEtug/UeyYRHcXfJI/AAAAAAAAB28/wq_SB26l9ls/s1600/egg+drop.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center">﻿</div><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;">FIREWORKS AT UNCLE TOM'S AND AUNT STEFF'S </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">So. Much. Fun!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6c0ILgugCds/UeFvSSOhvDI/AAAAAAAABz8/TC0kKfjlt2M/s1600/July+2013+115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6c0ILgugCds/UeFvSSOhvDI/AAAAAAAABz8/TC0kKfjlt2M/s320/July+2013+115.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QTuLBaYWdDQ/UeFviP4cDSI/AAAAAAAAB0M/S_xGchqAi6E/s1600/July+2013+124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QTuLBaYWdDQ/UeFviP4cDSI/AAAAAAAAB0M/S_xGchqAi6E/s320/July+2013+124.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><span style="color: #134f5c;">MAKE STEPPING STONES&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="color: #134f5c;">We missed doing this last year because of our move. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_goW-m37564/UeFvtTNmMhI/AAAAAAAAB0U/6_FrYQhC--w/s1600/July+2013+182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_goW-m37564/UeFvtTNmMhI/AAAAAAAAB0U/6_FrYQhC--w/s320/July+2013+182.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;">GO TO STARBUCKS WITH MRS. ZIMA </span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Cam's First Grade teacher. Love her!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span>&nbsp;</div><div align="center">﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dr4dqgnWD8g/UeyNhStJv1I/AAAAAAAAB0s/aYSHaj95LUs/s1600/zima.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dr4dqgnWD8g/UeyNhStJv1I/AAAAAAAAB0s/aYSHaj95LUs/s1600/zima.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center">﻿</div><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;">GO&nbsp;TO ROYALS GAME </span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="color: #134f5c;">﻿Two games so far.</span></div><div align="center">&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1nAJAXYn3fI/UeyNptlWSNI/AAAAAAAAB04/xC1pZmSvMWE/s1600/baseball.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1nAJAXYn3fI/UeyNptlWSNI/AAAAAAAAB04/xC1pZmSvMWE/s1600/baseball.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center">﻿</div><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;">GO TO THE MALL</span><br /><div align="center">&nbsp;</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Of course, they can't be away from video games for very long.</span></div><div align="center">&nbsp;﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V5BItHOUDkw/UeyaUcILXaI/AAAAAAAAB34/Ay3p1GxL9SQ/s1600/mall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V5BItHOUDkw/UeyaUcILXaI/AAAAAAAAB34/Ay3p1GxL9SQ/s1600/mall.JPG" /></a></div><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;">TABLE ROCK LAKE </span><br /><div align="center"><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span>&nbsp;</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Double bonus since we were with the Lee's!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yqj19SLsUk8/UeFwA0rhduI/AAAAAAAAB0c/MFyDAomksoY/s1600/July+2013+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yqj19SLsUk8/UeFwA0rhduI/AAAAAAAAB0c/MFyDAomksoY/s320/July+2013+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ldYMhUyW-pc/UeyWC8PYLUI/AAAAAAAAB2g/2SGc0SxV7ow/s1600/July+2013+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ldYMhUyW-pc/UeyWC8PYLUI/AAAAAAAAB2g/2SGc0SxV7ow/s320/July+2013+035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G3GxtB8Vd8U/Ueya2WOGFuI/AAAAAAAAB4A/XMps46cAih4/s1600/July+2013+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G3GxtB8Vd8U/Ueya2WOGFuI/AAAAAAAAB4A/XMps46cAih4/s320/July+2013+012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AU6nhffS71A/Ueya9vQMHRI/AAAAAAAAB4I/6UyvCxx-nU8/s1600/July+2013+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AU6nhffS71A/Ueya9vQMHRI/AAAAAAAAB4I/6UyvCxx-nU8/s320/July+2013+021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div align="center">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XKi4NzzUzf4/UeybNwh3cZI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/SO6ooiY9UMA/s1600/July+2013+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XKi4NzzUzf4/UeybNwh3cZI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/SO6ooiY9UMA/s320/July+2013+015.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">SEE A MOVIE </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Ironically we have seen Monster's University and Despicable Me Two but had our photo taken with a Turbo sign.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #134f5c;">&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-26YC91vFyJU/UeyOxqoT4vI/AAAAAAAAB1U/bAL7AO2iPWI/s1600/movie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-26YC91vFyJU/UeyOxqoT4vI/AAAAAAAAB1U/bAL7AO2iPWI/s1600/movie.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center">﻿</div><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">SCIENCE&nbsp;CITY </span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;">﻿</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Steve showing off his robot skills.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #134f5c;">&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J4V9cLRZ-Es/UeyYeLmv8gI/AAAAAAAAB3E/z8tHgyYp66Y/s1600/science+city+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J4V9cLRZ-Es/UeyYeLmv8gI/AAAAAAAAB3E/z8tHgyYp66Y/s1600/science+city+2.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center">﻿</div><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;">PICK FRUIT FROM AND ORCHARD</span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Blackberries!</span></div><div align="center">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BZdsUtlFr-I/UeyZkTYeM4I/AAAAAAAAB3s/Er7SDRMyYWA/s1600/blackberrie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BZdsUtlFr-I/UeyZkTYeM4I/AAAAAAAAB3s/Er7SDRMyYWA/s1600/blackberrie.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center">﻿</div><div align="center">﻿</div><div align="center">﻿</div><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;">SILVER DOLLAR CITY </span><br /><div align="center"><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span>&nbsp;</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #134f5c;">We are now season ticket holders.</span></div><div align="center">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gISGS_SelB4/UeyVjhXdW5I/AAAAAAAAB2E/M_pnuLDYByg/s1600/branson.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gISGS_SelB4/UeyVjhXdW5I/AAAAAAAAB2E/M_pnuLDYByg/s1600/branson.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l0_6jLgjpws/UeyWXQh74ZI/AAAAAAAAB2o/trCTzjWCkzU/s1600/July+2013+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l0_6jLgjpws/UeyWXQh74ZI/AAAAAAAAB2o/trCTzjWCkzU/s320/July+2013+010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">SEE FAMILY&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Yes, the Lee's are family. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8rycVEj_u7Q/UeydUPb4vLI/AAAAAAAAB44/-s9hquc_WYc/s1600/family+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8rycVEj_u7Q/UeydUPb4vLI/AAAAAAAAB44/-s9hquc_WYc/s1600/family+1.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center">&nbsp;</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Aunt Roxanne and Uncle Ron came for a weekend visit.</span></div><div align="center">&nbsp;﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qG8456ETllY/UeydZbkieqI/AAAAAAAAB5A/71aw4Z5jKTI/s1600/family+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qG8456ETllY/UeydZbkieqI/AAAAAAAAB5A/71aw4Z5jKTI/s1600/family+3.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color: #134f5c;">On the boat with the Silva's!</span></div><div align="center">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XY4wIwpG9EY/Ueydsb8HuyI/AAAAAAAAB5I/RTfxKfcS9P4/s1600/family+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XY4wIwpG9EY/Ueydsb8HuyI/AAAAAAAAB5I/RTfxKfcS9P4/s1600/family+2.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center">﻿</div><div align="center">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center">﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">FISHING </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">This was early in the summer&nbsp;but it just got too hot!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dBOZFaB-XeI/UeyVbF27IyI/AAAAAAAAB18/OMFdVKdHYZ4/s1600/Fishing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dBOZFaB-XeI/UeyVbF27IyI/AAAAAAAAB18/OMFdVKdHYZ4/s1600/Fishing.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center">﻿</div><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /><div align="center">﻿</div><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;">JOIN LIBRARY READING CLUB (NO MUSH BRAINS THIS SUMMER)</span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;">No photos of them reading. :-(</span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;">WORLDS OF FUN</span><br /><div align="center"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Hanging out with Snoopy. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x1j5Aq17mxo/UeyZJkyW2jI/AAAAAAAAB3c/5B4nEYdhUP8/s1600/worlds+of+fun+snoopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x1j5Aq17mxo/UeyZJkyW2jI/AAAAAAAAB3c/5B4nEYdhUP8/s1600/worlds+of+fun+snoopy.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Can you spot Colin, Cam, Steve and Uncle Ron?</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RYGO6oqTD-c/UeyZPkeU8FI/AAAAAAAAB3k/2kPf8L48LGo/s1600/worlds+of+fun.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RYGO6oqTD-c/UeyZPkeU8FI/AAAAAAAAB3k/2kPf8L48LGo/s1600/worlds+of+fun.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div align="center">﻿</div><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;">OCEANS OF FUN</span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Colin got stung by a wasp on the walk over to Oceans of Fun so he sat and waited for his brother for 2 hours. He did get his feet wet the last 5 minutes we were there. The wasp sting is still a little swollen. Keeping an eye on it. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fMD_Ceu3O50/UeyZBfVBvXI/AAAAAAAAB3U/29gilft1_K4/s1600/oceans+of+fun.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fMD_Ceu3O50/UeyZBfVBvXI/AAAAAAAAB3U/29gilft1_K4/s1600/oceans+of+fun.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center">﻿</div><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;">CAMPING </span><br /><div align="center"><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span>&nbsp;</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Again, early in the summer so we'll have to do it again when it's cooler. </span></div><div align="center">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZGdGHYM2oA/UeydJjyjUsI/AAAAAAAAB4w/L4arW58Jz2k/s1600/CAMPING.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZGdGHYM2oA/UeydJjyjUsI/AAAAAAAAB4w/L4arW58Jz2k/s1600/CAMPING.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center">﻿</div><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;">LEGO DISCOVERY </span><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color: #134f5c;">We spent 6 hours at Lego Discovery. That's a little hard to do but they managed.</span> </div><div align="center">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-95loLplD0V0/UeyXUe3eICI/AAAAAAAAB2w/NR-8FOof72g/s1600/lego.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-95loLplD0V0/UeyXUe3eICI/AAAAAAAAB2w/NR-8FOof72g/s1600/lego.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center">﻿</div><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><strong>STILL ON OUR LIST</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #b45f06;">CAMP SILVA (HEAVILY DEPENDENT ON ME AND I'M NOT SURE I HAVE IT IN ME)&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #b45f06;">GREAT WOLF LODGE</span><br /><span style="color: #b45f06;">COLORADO (SAD TO SAY WE HAVE CANCELED OUR AUG. TRIP)</span><br /><span style="color: #b45f06;">TYE DYE SHIRTS (ALREADY HAVE ALL THE SUPPLIES)</span><br /><span style="color: #b45f06;">NASCAR RACE (I DON'T EVEN KNOW IF THEY RACE IN THE SUMMER??)</span><br /><span style="color: #b45f06;">KALEIDOSCOPE</span><br /><span style="color: #b45f06;">DEANNA ROSE</span><br /><span style="color: #b45f06;">SCHLITTERBAHN</span><br /><span style="color: #b45f06;"></span><br /><span style="color: black;">Only a few weeks of summer left. :-( I'm not sure we'll be able to get to everything left on or list (Nascar race??) but we're going to have fun trying! </span>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153216380438947038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094493966157780621.post-70858364155851648732013-06-21T07:01:00.000-07:002013-06-21T07:01:51.965-07:00Questions??These are the questions bouncing around in my head today. If you have any great answers, feel free to share! I'd love to hear them! <br /><br />1. Why do so many people around here drive UNDER the speed limit? <br /><br />2. When is my dog going to stop shedding her winter coat in globs? <br /><br />3. What must be going through my 9 year olds emotional brain that he has worn his "last day of school" shirts from the last three years over the last three days this week? <br /><br />4. Why can't I come up with a video game idea like mine craft or a mutli-million dollar create your own stuffed animal idea? So simple yet so lucrative. <br /><br />5. How can it already be 80% humidity at 8am? <br /><br />6. What is the fascination that children have with eating meals on the couch? <br /><br />7. How come neither of my children are inclined to really want to play in traditional sports? <br /><br />8. How much wood could a wood chuck chuck if a wood chuck could chuck wood? (Just wanted to make sure you were still reading.....)<br /><br />9. Why do you have to be so old to realize how great you had it when you were young? <br /><br />10. Who says minivans aren't cool? I drive mine like a sports car so therefor, it must be cool. (Refer back to question #1.) Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153216380438947038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094493966157780621.post-46356518234934975782013-06-16T18:24:00.001-07:002013-06-16T18:24:21.971-07:00To My Husband on Father's DayTo my husband on Father's Day....all I can say is that our kids adore you. They are entranced everyday when you teach them. Everyday you hug them, kiss them and tell&nbsp;them you love them. When you take time out of your busy day to jump on the trampoline or throw a baseball to them, you make them feel like the most important people in the world. You are an encourager, a role model and a great father to our boys. I could not have asked for a better person to spend my life with. Here are a few pictures taken throughout the years that just how how you take time everyday to put smiles on their faces. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e4fk8dP-vA8/Ub4VO7dU6xI/AAAAAAAABwg/VwW_7GU7hvU/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e4fk8dP-vA8/Ub4VO7dU6xI/AAAAAAAABwg/VwW_7GU7hvU/s320/Father's+Day+2013+020.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vTR5zbNnDkY/Ub4VPBcuJ1I/AAAAAAAABwk/x--ucIKwfTM/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vTR5zbNnDkY/Ub4VPBcuJ1I/AAAAAAAABwk/x--ucIKwfTM/s320/Father's+Day+2013+021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A2HlgbrhJuY/Ub4VPf0CXTI/AAAAAAAABww/6-2lzK-NM2c/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+022+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A2HlgbrhJuY/Ub4VPf0CXTI/AAAAAAAABww/6-2lzK-NM2c/s320/Father's+Day+2013+022+(2).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7SMkvfJQbZY/Ub4VQFXZQCI/AAAAAAAABw8/1oOar-QhEQg/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7SMkvfJQbZY/Ub4VQFXZQCI/AAAAAAAABw8/1oOar-QhEQg/s320/Father's+Day+2013+023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvctHTyueak/Ub4VQCRoAyI/AAAAAAAABxE/f2qRwH3v3EI/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvctHTyueak/Ub4VQCRoAyI/AAAAAAAABxE/f2qRwH3v3EI/s320/Father's+Day+2013+024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s9RZvSTplLs/Ub4VQlyTWjI/AAAAAAAABxQ/pmodcPORUdc/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s9RZvSTplLs/Ub4VQlyTWjI/AAAAAAAABxQ/pmodcPORUdc/s320/Father's+Day+2013+025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dMzx7_hBVlI/Ub4VRAfgw_I/AAAAAAAABxc/JPZIRRt2Rgg/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dMzx7_hBVlI/Ub4VRAfgw_I/AAAAAAAABxc/JPZIRRt2Rgg/s320/Father's+Day+2013+026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_gkXcnDG4NI/Ub4VRWtATxI/AAAAAAAABxk/2d5fLPpqiNc/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_gkXcnDG4NI/Ub4VRWtATxI/AAAAAAAABxk/2d5fLPpqiNc/s320/Father's+Day+2013+028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W7Z2Iz7cH1E/Ub4VSJlWWZI/AAAAAAAABx0/74hiGdM1o0Y/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W7Z2Iz7cH1E/Ub4VSJlWWZI/AAAAAAAABx0/74hiGdM1o0Y/s320/Father's+Day+2013+030.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DP_XClUqBRw/Ub4VSUPtAVI/AAAAAAAAByA/JBcuTqyVyUk/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+031+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DP_XClUqBRw/Ub4VSUPtAVI/AAAAAAAAByA/JBcuTqyVyUk/s320/Father's+Day+2013+031+(2).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4NlDNwZaLNI/Ub4VTGo0VMI/AAAAAAAAByI/x7gjYMa1ZZg/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4NlDNwZaLNI/Ub4VTGo0VMI/AAAAAAAAByI/x7gjYMa1ZZg/s320/Father's+Day+2013+032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UXCuRTF4Dh0/Ub4VTcCy10I/AAAAAAAAByY/bnA8osQbPDc/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UXCuRTF4Dh0/Ub4VTcCy10I/AAAAAAAAByY/bnA8osQbPDc/s320/Father's+Day+2013+033.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FAen9Eg2F6Y/Ub4VToZ4zVI/AAAAAAAAByc/WL4RnaKvWvc/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FAen9Eg2F6Y/Ub4VToZ4zVI/AAAAAAAAByc/WL4RnaKvWvc/s320/Father's+Day+2013+034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w7bMRPXegZ8/Ub4VTw4FwVI/AAAAAAAAByk/6giLpe1p1xw/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+035+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w7bMRPXegZ8/Ub4VTw4FwVI/AAAAAAAAByk/6giLpe1p1xw/s320/Father's+Day+2013+035+(2).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l1MdKIHhLdQ/Ub4VUruUguI/AAAAAAAABy4/9lT3sOKKFqU/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l1MdKIHhLdQ/Ub4VUruUguI/AAAAAAAABy4/9lT3sOKKFqU/s320/Father's+Day+2013+036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1UBi7IOf7OE/Ub4VU5Szj0I/AAAAAAAABy8/Of3-T_6HR0k/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1UBi7IOf7OE/Ub4VU5Szj0I/AAAAAAAABy8/Of3-T_6HR0k/s320/Father's+Day+2013+037.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LPaxQIBMDjE/Ub4VVLrGwRI/AAAAAAAABzE/_oDC_qx2Ysw/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+038+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LPaxQIBMDjE/Ub4VVLrGwRI/AAAAAAAABzE/_oDC_qx2Ysw/s320/Father's+Day+2013+038+(2).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zBsEqqcRW4o/Ub4VWJFHS5I/AAAAAAAABzc/V7RR1kybQUk/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zBsEqqcRW4o/Ub4VWJFHS5I/AAAAAAAABzc/V7RR1kybQUk/s320/Father's+Day+2013+040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wO2MF91X8a8/Ub4VWRwgkDI/AAAAAAAABzk/hpbjK1OAlyc/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wO2MF91X8a8/Ub4VWRwgkDI/AAAAAAAABzk/hpbjK1OAlyc/s320/Father's+Day+2013+041.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153216380438947038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094493966157780621.post-63493719254101625342013-06-16T12:36:00.001-07:002013-06-16T12:36:49.812-07:00This Father's DayToday I have the opportunity to revel in the fact that my Dad was just here this morning to spend a Father's Day breakfast with us. I know I am a very lucky daughter to have a Dad that wants to be around and spend time with us. Growing up there was a lot of awe and wonder anytime my Dad would teach us new things. I have never figured out how he knows so much about so many things. I guess maybe that's just part of being&nbsp;a Dad. Here are a few of the things my Dad taught our family along the way.....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>You taught us how to drive a tractor. Yehaww!!</strong></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvC4UDMemB0/Ub4P6OED6FI/AAAAAAAABtg/HKNwOoqizSE/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvC4UDMemB0/Ub4P6OED6FI/AAAAAAAABtg/HKNwOoqizSE/s320/Father's+Day+2013+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>You taught us great fashion sense!</strong> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yN6h46FtBSY/Ub4P6m3LTbI/AAAAAAAABto/K-qglBSK4BA/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yN6h46FtBSY/Ub4P6m3LTbI/AAAAAAAABto/K-qglBSK4BA/s320/Father's+Day+2013+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>You taught us that no one can snuggle like Grandpa!</strong> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tM5ozXfs3qE/Ub4P6uMm75I/AAAAAAAABts/sRZOhjPUxjY/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tM5ozXfs3qE/Ub4P6uMm75I/AAAAAAAABts/sRZOhjPUxjY/s320/Father's+Day+2013+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>You taught us to ski ... and ski we did ... I know we might have complained about it then, but now I realize how much WORK it took to get four kids geared up for those trips. Not to mention the 13 hour car ride. Those ski trip mean so much to me now!</strong> </div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0cZKYZngmlA/Ub4P6-HHfrI/AAAAAAAABt0/ltYfSO9FDvc/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0cZKYZngmlA/Ub4P6-HHfrI/AAAAAAAABt0/ltYfSO9FDvc/s320/Father's+Day+2013+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>You taught us how to walk!</strong> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H8ZINvq72Ag/Ub4P7uSOI1I/AAAAAAAABuE/QqwGkClo49M/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H8ZINvq72Ag/Ub4P7uSOI1I/AAAAAAAABuE/QqwGkClo49M/s320/Father's+Day+2013+005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>You taught us how to boogie!</strong> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nsGpxn1RVH8/Ub4P7vfQMTI/AAAAAAAABuA/ooPC_U1YwQM/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nsGpxn1RVH8/Ub4P7vfQMTI/AAAAAAAABuA/ooPC_U1YwQM/s320/Father's+Day+2013+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>You taught us how to get out of sticky situations</strong>. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8qKCbFvmJm0/Ub4P8bMU0MI/AAAAAAAABuY/3bSlo6An2LE/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8qKCbFvmJm0/Ub4P8bMU0MI/AAAAAAAABuY/3bSlo6An2LE/s320/Father's+Day+2013+008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>You taught us that Grandparents are very important!</strong> </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X5QT1atDRIA/Ub4P8z1-0qI/AAAAAAAABuo/0dYUSc1Q9FI/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X5QT1atDRIA/Ub4P8z1-0qI/AAAAAAAABuo/0dYUSc1Q9FI/s320/Father's+Day+2013+010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>You taught us how to build fences. And once in awhile, how to mend them.</strong> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7yHatyhrnQ4/Ub4P9w-pCgI/AAAAAAAABu8/ETu53XgHPvM/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7yHatyhrnQ4/Ub4P9w-pCgI/AAAAAAAABu8/ETu53XgHPvM/s320/Father's+Day+2013+013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>You taught us that puppies laying in the flowers are no big deal. Let sleeping dogs lie because they kind of rule the roost.</strong> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bewXF0NThiQ/Ub4P-c65eVI/AAAAAAAABvM/vg06svfYWMU/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bewXF0NThiQ/Ub4P-c65eVI/AAAAAAAABvM/vg06svfYWMU/s320/Father's+Day+2013+015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>You taught us to take time to enjoy the ocean.</strong> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Rbpe75dmKM/Ub4Sfxf4amI/AAAAAAAABwI/Rxu79m6tJx4/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+012+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Rbpe75dmKM/Ub4Sfxf4amI/AAAAAAAABwI/Rxu79m6tJx4/s320/Father's+Day+2013+012+(2).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>You taught us the patience of fishing</strong>. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bH3P9q5EyH4/Ub4Sk22m0WI/AAAAAAAABwQ/UK-0-Peyckc/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+016+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bH3P9q5EyH4/Ub4Sk22m0WI/AAAAAAAABwQ/UK-0-Peyckc/s320/Father's+Day+2013+016+(2).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>You taught us to play a mean game of horseshoes.</strong> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bsjn04WVkzg/Ub4P_XBV4UI/AAAAAAAABvo/lkJjCwzlNxk/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bsjn04WVkzg/Ub4P_XBV4UI/AAAAAAAABvo/lkJjCwzlNxk/s320/Father's+Day+2013+018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>And most importantly, you taught our kids how to get a direct line to Santa</strong>. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bnH-4aPxQVM/Ub4P_taRPeI/AAAAAAAABvs/Ew-HPyzu4mY/s1600/Father's+Day+2013+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bnH-4aPxQVM/Ub4P_taRPeI/AAAAAAAABvs/Ew-HPyzu4mY/s320/Father's+Day+2013+019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span id="goog_1376911270"></span><span id="goog_1376911271"></span><br />Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153216380438947038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094493966157780621.post-73978482962495064422013-05-12T19:28:00.000-07:002013-05-12T19:32:16.395-07:00This Mother's Day....This Mother's Day is quite special. Yes, the fact that my husband knocked it out of the park (literally) with so many surprises for me was quite a bonus. Breakfast served to me with fresh cut flowers, tickets to the Royals Game today and the promise of a meal cooked at home by him tonight....what more could a mom ask for? <br /><br />Only one thing....that&nbsp;I would get the chance to wish my own mom a Happy Mother's Day this year. Due to amazing modern medicine and her old fashioned stubbornness, she decided not to let a stroke take her off of this earth a few weeks ago. <br /><br />So Mom, just in case you have forgotten your worth to us, here is how I view you, my Mom, and your worth to this world....These are the things you have taught us along the way...<br /><br />You taught us how to stop and smell the roses. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5gGl5kP2Dek/UZBGI_sJRZI/AAAAAAAABmI/1KZw3TCyvWA/s1600/Mother's+Day+2013+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mwa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5gGl5kP2Dek/UZBGI_sJRZI/AAAAAAAABmI/1KZw3TCyvWA/s320/Mother's+Day+2013+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>You taught us that family vacations are worth taking.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-REzoTATq44Q/UZBGMd0z1lI/AAAAAAAABmY/rmjtO18LOdQ/s1600/Mother's+Day+2013+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mwa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-REzoTATq44Q/UZBGMd0z1lI/AAAAAAAABmY/rmjtO18LOdQ/s320/Mother's+Day+2013+005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />You taught us that there is no stronger bond than family. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_AG4hxPoiTw/UZBGM3b6jeI/AAAAAAAABmg/UpnM63dcP0M/s1600/Mother's+Day+2013+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mwa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_AG4hxPoiTw/UZBGM3b6jeI/AAAAAAAABmg/UpnM63dcP0M/s320/Mother's+Day+2013+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />You taught us that faith is important and essential. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ypk50upwD0g/UZBGOH6PumI/AAAAAAAABmo/gm4ubvLaIQk/s1600/Mother's+Day+2013+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mwa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ypk50upwD0g/UZBGOH6PumI/AAAAAAAABmo/gm4ubvLaIQk/s320/Mother's+Day+2013+007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />You taught us that traditions can be passed down to our children. And that we can share in their joy as children just as you shared in our joy as children. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6R9jdAbcfYI/UZBGQWvjEII/AAAAAAAABm4/gD3P6qjJFKI/s1600/Mother's+Day+2013+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mwa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6R9jdAbcfYI/UZBGQWvjEII/AAAAAAAABm4/gD3P6qjJFKI/s320/Mother's+Day+2013+008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ngJGaOpE8fM/UZBGw-QCkbI/AAAAAAAABp0/TmekxV8P7Ao/s1600/Mother%2527s+Day+2013+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mwa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ngJGaOpE8fM/UZBGw-QCkbI/AAAAAAAABp0/TmekxV8P7Ao/s320/Mother%2527s+Day+2013+034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />You taught us&nbsp;that&nbsp;the fact that our family is close, is exceptional.&nbsp;Others should be&nbsp;as fortunate as us. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R-mfeb3NmEU/UZBGP2ARrwI/AAAAAAAABmw/ulIZz0OSM8Q/s1600/Mother's+Day+2013+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mwa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R-mfeb3NmEU/UZBGP2ARrwI/AAAAAAAABmw/ulIZz0OSM8Q/s320/Mother's+Day+2013+009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />You taught this dog and cat to dance. (Okay, maybe not, but it was funny. ) <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JI7Ko7z2jUE/UZBGRkB16qI/AAAAAAAABnA/if3GeQhtifc/s1600/Mother's+Day+2013+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mwa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JI7Ko7z2jUE/UZBGRkB16qI/AAAAAAAABnA/if3GeQhtifc/s320/Mother's+Day+2013+010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />You taught us that grandma can fix anything. Even our precious blankie. Even if we can't let go of it. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHbO-pMIDUA/UZBQcQqNW2I/AAAAAAAABqw/Rm_Equ_jHcg/s1600/Mother%2527s+Day+2013+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mwa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHbO-pMIDUA/UZBQcQqNW2I/AAAAAAAABqw/Rm_Equ_jHcg/s320/Mother%2527s+Day+2013+011.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />You taught us how to be patient. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iOFRxm2z_fk/UZBGU7LpyUI/AAAAAAAABnQ/ZmFVbv8jDqg/s1600/Mother's+Day+2013+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mwa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iOFRxm2z_fk/UZBGU7LpyUI/AAAAAAAABnQ/ZmFVbv8jDqg/s320/Mother's+Day+2013+012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />You taught us that we should marry our best friend. Thankfully, we all listened to you. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yOEN8r0MpAU/UZBGVK7OkxI/AAAAAAAABnY/8ZWz7ZrQkBQ/s1600/Mother's+Day+2013+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mwa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yOEN8r0MpAU/UZBGVK7OkxI/AAAAAAAABnY/8ZWz7ZrQkBQ/s320/Mother's+Day+2013+013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />You&nbsp;taught us how to love and how to be loved. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WwBBUO9CacA/UZBGYYggwZI/AAAAAAAABno/04ze2Rm81Ss/s1600/Mother's+Day+2013+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mwa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WwBBUO9CacA/UZBGYYggwZI/AAAAAAAABno/04ze2Rm81Ss/s320/Mother's+Day+2013+014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />You taught us how to let loose! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UoKlUSVb16s/UZBGX1YEKYI/AAAAAAAABng/s7s5kL7ZuKc/s1600/Mother's+Day+2013+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mwa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UoKlUSVb16s/UZBGX1YEKYI/AAAAAAAABng/s7s5kL7ZuKc/s320/Mother's+Day+2013+015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />You taught us that happiness is in the people we love, not in the things we own. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jhORZ-R0KG0/UZBGY_S680I/AAAAAAAABnw/35N7Dj5nyhk/s1600/Mother's+Day+2013+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mwa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jhORZ-R0KG0/UZBGY_S680I/AAAAAAAABnw/35N7Dj5nyhk/s320/Mother's+Day+2013+016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />You taught us how to play golf. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j1G1uxw17Tk/UZBQbxZD1RI/AAAAAAAABqo/ESkU8M0U98I/s1600/Mother%2527s+Day+2013+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mwa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j1G1uxw17Tk/UZBQbxZD1RI/AAAAAAAABqo/ESkU8M0U98I/s320/Mother%2527s+Day+2013+017.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />You&nbsp;taught our&nbsp;animals how to get along. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Qb_u3crtkQ/UZBGelVRH5I/AAAAAAAABoE/YXexjVffcFE/s1600/Mother's+Day+2013+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mwa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Qb_u3crtkQ/UZBGelVRH5I/AAAAAAAABoE/YXexjVffcFE/s320/Mother's+Day+2013+018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />You taught us how to ride a horse. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5AXAXbDB_mc/UZBQeB_7mHI/AAAAAAAABq4/gGgy1yNyvmg/s1600/Mother%2527s+Day+2013+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mwa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5AXAXbDB_mc/UZBQeB_7mHI/AAAAAAAABq4/gGgy1yNyvmg/s320/Mother%2527s+Day+2013+019.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />You taught us that beauty is worth the hike. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WuZ9LB7P0eE/UZBGinLsd2I/AAAAAAAABoU/yed7jGaiwUY/s1600/Mother's+Day+2013+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mwa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WuZ9LB7P0eE/UZBGinLsd2I/AAAAAAAABoU/yed7jGaiwUY/s320/Mother's+Day+2013+020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />You taught us how to throw a good party! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aAK4Iilfe14/UZBGicWAy8I/AAAAAAAABoQ/y2jUbCzh_oo/s1600/Mother's+Day+2013+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mwa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aAK4Iilfe14/UZBGicWAy8I/AAAAAAAABoQ/y2jUbCzh_oo/s320/Mother's+Day+2013+021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />You taught us how to love ice cream (and how to sucker you into holding the stick for us)!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hlCGb6Ejzvw/UZBGjGu6hyI/AAAAAAAABog/2IIOybclbzA/s1600/Mother's+Day+2013+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mwa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hlCGb6Ejzvw/UZBGjGu6hyI/AAAAAAAABog/2IIOybclbzA/s320/Mother's+Day+2013+022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />You taught us how to dress up ourselves and our animals. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EC6UKagQxGc/UZBGl6-lUII/AAAAAAAABoo/oQuHoX30xH8/s1600/Mother's+Day+2013+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mwa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EC6UKagQxGc/UZBGl6-lUII/AAAAAAAABoo/oQuHoX30xH8/s320/Mother's+Day+2013+023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />You taught us the value of siblings. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mSB_vpOkt0A/UZBGm5Bg5GI/AAAAAAAABo4/tUaFe0DAGt4/s1600/Mother's+Day+2013+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mwa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mSB_vpOkt0A/UZBGm5Bg5GI/AAAAAAAABo4/tUaFe0DAGt4/s320/Mother's+Day+2013+024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />You taught us how to fall gracefully. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jGPfvDBeVXE/UZBGmT9TP1I/AAAAAAAABow/XkOh52WTsN0/s1600/Mother's+Day+2013+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mwa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jGPfvDBeVXE/UZBGmT9TP1I/AAAAAAAABow/XkOh52WTsN0/s320/Mother's+Day+2013+025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>You taught us how to catch the big one!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZxB8bGtMx4/UZBGqBTS0OI/AAAAAAAABpI/MrTD3UipEw4/s1600/Mother's+Day+2013+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mwa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZxB8bGtMx4/UZBGqBTS0OI/AAAAAAAABpI/MrTD3UipEw4/s320/Mother's+Day+2013+027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />You taught us that we are all smart. Even if we do wear pizza boxes on our heads. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w2xvmOti1FY/UZBGr5ABLMI/AAAAAAAABpY/PvnGxa7NqbU/s1600/Mother's+Day+2013+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mwa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w2xvmOti1FY/UZBGr5ABLMI/AAAAAAAABpY/PvnGxa7NqbU/s320/Mother's+Day+2013+028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />You taught us how to play baseball. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jE3uyfrcFQ/UZBGrT-FDVI/AAAAAAAABpQ/mpzLAzcKCrM/s1600/Mother's+Day+2013+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mwa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jE3uyfrcFQ/UZBGrT-FDVI/AAAAAAAABpQ/mpzLAzcKCrM/s320/Mother's+Day+2013+029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />You taught us how to fly. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8UAaJL2fiW8/UZBGsxGZgtI/AAAAAAAABpg/gD8tufJywZk/s1600/Mother's+Day+2013+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mwa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8UAaJL2fiW8/UZBGsxGZgtI/AAAAAAAABpg/gD8tufJywZk/s320/Mother's+Day+2013+030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />You taught us how to drive. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ztjmGv6iFYE/UZBGufeqkRI/AAAAAAAABpo/3YQwRN758W4/s1600/Mother's+Day+2013+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mwa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ztjmGv6iFYE/UZBGufeqkRI/AAAAAAAABpo/3YQwRN758W4/s320/Mother's+Day+2013+032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />You taught us how to get a group of five boys to sit still for a picture. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GSJwEpb8560/UZBGwhJ9pKI/AAAAAAAABpw/KHFLfjbPpPM/s1600/Mother's+Day+2013+033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mwa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GSJwEpb8560/UZBGwhJ9pKI/AAAAAAAABpw/KHFLfjbPpPM/s320/Mother's+Day+2013+033.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>How taught our children how to cook. That's not to be confused with you taught us how to cook our children. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pfrZWXEdWXc/UZBGxVlgvfI/AAAAAAAABqA/yd0uMOEEMuE/s1600/Mother's+Day+2013+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mwa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pfrZWXEdWXc/UZBGxVlgvfI/AAAAAAAABqA/yd0uMOEEMuE/s320/Mother's+Day+2013+036.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />You taught us the joy of camping. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3-SR34kCbnc/UZBG_rL9lYI/AAAAAAAABqI/7HaMi-7212k/s1600/Mother's+Day+2013+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mwa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3-SR34kCbnc/UZBG_rL9lYI/AAAAAAAABqI/7HaMi-7212k/s320/Mother's+Day+2013+037.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />You taught us the importance of family. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gQmcG5Zgn9Q/UZBKgLfMmgI/AAAAAAAABqY/dzNKyDozROY/s1600/229751_10201105510950067_1894270006_n%5B1%5D+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mwa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gQmcG5Zgn9Q/UZBKgLfMmgI/AAAAAAAABqY/dzNKyDozROY/s320/229751_10201105510950067_1894270006_n%5B1%5D+(2).jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mom, you mean the world to us. You are so important to each one of us in different ways. Somehow you and dad managed to raise four great kids that married four great kids. I'm not sure what the odds are of that but I am betting that they are pretty low. Thank you for being our mom and for teaching us everyday to be kind faith filled people. You are truly a gift from God to all of us. I love you! ﻿</div>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153216380438947038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094493966157780621.post-23315915582739855292013-05-05T11:40:00.004-07:002013-05-05T11:41:08.265-07:003 Words....<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Last Sunday we were here with my Mom.....</span></strong></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tKYf2lZUEwc/UYakJvCiJPI/AAAAAAAABlk/FuQcV5_I2dM/s1600/via-christi-st-francis-wichita-ks-campus1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" lua="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tKYf2lZUEwc/UYakJvCiJPI/AAAAAAAABlk/FuQcV5_I2dM/s1600/via-christi-st-francis-wichita-ks-campus1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">This Sunday we were here with my Mom....</span></strong></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_l0lqx5cz4Q/UYanOy0FuCI/AAAAAAAABl0/ro-R8OJs7yQ/s1600/CatholicChurchInteriorCapeMayNJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" lua="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_l0lqx5cz4Q/UYanOy0FuCI/AAAAAAAABl0/ro-R8OJs7yQ/s320/CatholicChurchInteriorCapeMayNJ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">God Is Good!!!</span></div>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153216380438947038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094493966157780621.post-34126042903514880782013-04-17T15:51:00.002-07:002013-04-17T17:30:05.991-07:00Why I Talk So Much About IsagenixI have dreams. I have goals just like everyone else. Prior to our move back to Kansas my goals were much different than they are now. I was a stay-at- home mom turned Elementary School Principal. I stayed home for 6 years with my boys. Once I dove back into the world of education,&nbsp;it was like a freight train that I couldn't stop. &nbsp;It started with attending a meeting for a local (not yet created) Charter School. It ended with me being placed as Vice Principal for a year and then Principal the next. <br /><br />I loved my job. I loved my students. I loved my parents, grandparents. I loved it all. But man, life was busy. And I was stressed.&nbsp;It seemed like Steve and I were just holding our heads above the water. Weekends were filled with cleaning house, running errands, rushing to practices and games. Childcare was a patchwork quilt with friends taking the boys home, Steve taking off early when I had meetings, swapping who stayed home with sick kids....It was hard. My kids have never been day care kids. That's not what we wanted for them. (Disclaimer here- I don't think there is anything wrong with children being in daycare. It's just not what we chose for our family.) We didn't want to put our kids in the after school/before school childcare because it's just something we had never done before. Plus, I didn't want to trade off of working to just be spending my paycheck on daycare. <br /><br />As an employee of a school, I did not have an opportunity to volunteer in my own kids' classrooms. I couldn't go on field trips, attend parties or enjoy their school performances/plays/programs because I was always in front and in charge. It was a job that really tugged at my "momma heart". <br /><br />Fast forward to July. For many reasons (which I won't go into here) we decided to move back to Kansas. It was a heart wrenching decision. I can not tell you how many nights we both spend crying. I can not tell you how many times I think about the reaction of my boys when we told them we were moving. Ugh. Horrible. <br /><br />But, everything happens for a reason. Here is my life now....I volunteer (nearly everyday) at the boys' school. I am home when they are out of school. I get to watch all of the performances from the audience and volunteer to help. Our weekends are filled with family time. We vacation when we want. We are not dictated by the schedule of two full time working parents. My boys never have to go to daycare. I get to help out other parents when there is a need. I am&nbsp;attending classes about parenting, education and religion. <br /><br />In summary, I am living a blessed life. <br /><br />Did I mention that right now I am making about $400 a week. Remember, I am a stay-at-home mom. I don't have an office. I don't have a boss. Let me repeat, I make about $400 a week. My goal is to make $5,000 a week.&nbsp; <br /><br />That's the beauty of Isagenix. That's the beauty of network marketing. I have never worked for any other network marketing company. I have never taken a business class. I could barely sell girl scout cookies when I was little. I am shy but outgoing once I get to know someone. I put on a good front. I can stand in front of a group of 500 people and give a speech, but ask me to sit down at a dinner party and I am at a loss for words. But I can sell Isagenix. <br /><br />Why? <br /><br />Because it sells itself. Isagenix is good nutrition. It's just food. Super food. Nutrient rich, vitamin rich, antioxidant rich, adaptogen rich food. A food powerhouse. But when it comes right down to it, it's just good healthy&nbsp;food. Everyone has to eat, right? Why not put the best nutrition into your body? Into your kids' bodies? Isagenix is not just for weight loss. Yes, losing weight is a goal for many but so is gaining energy and a handle on your health. I have heard so many stories about how Isagenix has helped people with diabetes, depression, anxiety, arthritis, ibs, migraines...the list goes on and on. <br /><br />So, with Isagenix you are selling&nbsp;a longer life. You are selling a healthy body. You are selling a way for a person to be able to play with their kids again. You are selling the extended years for a parent to see their child graduate from college, get married, have children. You are selling energy, happiness and longevity. <br /><br />I want to share this nutrition with everyone. Not many people know this but when we moved back to Kansas I gained 10 pounds in 3 months. I was stressed, depressed and tired. Since then I have lost those ten pounds, plus 10 more. While a 20 pound weight loss is not the end of my journey, I have also gained energy and clarity. I have gained my life back. Not just through the weight loss. I started out not being able to walk 2 miles. On Saturday, I will run my first half marathon in over 9 years. My Isa story is not unusual. Once you put the right nutrition into your body, everything functions better. <br /><br />Here's the thing about Isagenix....my sole selling point of Isa is my story. I don't make cold calls.&nbsp;I don't pressure people. I don't force information onto people. If you want to hear about my story, great. If you don't, great. But I am going to continue to put this great nutrition into my body. I am going to continue to be happy and healthy. All I do is talk to people. Share my story. That's it. I share it on Facebook. I share it at after school pick up. I share it watching Cam at gymnastics. I share it in my blog. I share it whenever anyone asks, "What are you doing?" or "How did you lose weight?" or "Why so you look so happy?" or "How did you afford to go on that trip?"......<br /><br />Some people are turned off by network marketing because it is a pyramid. Well, yes it is if you want to look at it that way. Think about your job...do you have a CEO, a President, A Chief, Someone In Charge? Well that's the top of your pyramid in your office. Then you have the VP, the Second In Command, the CFO, etc...as the next person in your office pyramid. Then you have your Directors, Managers. Then your Assistants Directors, Assistant Managers. Then your Associates....see where I am going with this??? Every company is shaped like a pyramid. You have someone in charge and people under then. BUT those people can never surpass the boss in salary. That's the major difference in Isagenix. You can make more than me. I can make more than you. It doesn't matter. Someone above you can never stifle your glass ceiling! You are your own boss and you take your own paycheck as high as you want. <br /><br />You earn bonus money based on levels and cycles. You enroll two people, bonus! They enroll two people, bonus! Those people enroll two people, bonus! It just keeps going. You also earn money based off of cycles. You earn so many points based off of product sold, not only from you but from EVERYONE below you (the people I enroll after you, the people you enroll, the people they enroll)&nbsp;and you earn money based on those points.&nbsp; <br /><br />So, how much do you like your job right now? Who do you know that hates Mondays? How many times have you come home complaining about a co-worker, long hours or some jerk that stole your lunch from the fridge? <br /><br />What's your "why"? Why are you in the job that you are in? Why do you put in the long hours? Why do you look so forward to the weekends? What if that "why" could take on a different life? What if that "why" could be more about the things and people you love rather than making ends meet and meeting the bottom line? <br /><br />I already told you my "why". I want to be here for my kids. I want to be able to volunteer, spend time with my family, live on my own schedule and not have my life dictated by a company. Here's another why...financial stability. There is no way that when we are at retirement age that we will actually be able to retire. Not only that, how I am going to help my kids afford college? How and I going to make sure that I am not a burden to my grown children? By making residual income, that's how! Sitting on the beach (of MY beach home) drinking lemonade watching my grand kids play in the ocean...now that's a DREAM! It's a long way off, but it's MY dream! <br /><br />There's an ENTIRE support system along the way. From product questions to business questions. You have so much at your fingertips and every single person is willing to help. From the millionaires to the new associates. Everyone helps! <br /><br />Did I mention that as a small (home based) business you have tax write offs? Cell phone, house, car, printer ink, printer,&nbsp;luncheons, PRODUCTS!, computers, home wi-fi, mileage, trips to celebrations and meetings...anything and everything you use for your home based business! It's incredible. <br /><br />I know some of you are ready to unfriend me right this minute because I&nbsp;post too much about&nbsp;Isagenix on my fb page. But think about this for a minute...how many posts do you see about people hating their job? The only difference between my posts and their posts is that I love my job! At least stay with me until I post that $5,000 earnings a week check! Then you will be ready to link arms with me and run! <br /><br />So&nbsp;WHO DO&nbsp;YOU know that: <br />- Needs to lose weight? <br />- Needs more energy? <br />- Needs more wealth? <br />- Needs to be healthy? <br />-Wants to be (more) healthy? Isa isn't just for weight loss! <br />- Wants to earn residual income? <br />- Wants to retire early? <br />- Wants to vacation (a lot!) <br />- Wants to save money for college? <br />- Wants to have the perfect part time job to fit into their kids' school schedule? <br />- Wants to quit their current job? <br />- Wants a better life? <br />This list goes on and on...<br /><br />In 2012 a study was completed that&nbsp;found the average Facebook user had 349 friends.&nbsp;You also know 2,000 people by their first name.&nbsp;I bet each one of them wants to be healthy and wealthy. I bet you do too. <br /><br />Here's the number one excuse for not starting Network Marketing: I don't want to push my friends into buying something. Really?! You don't want your friends to be healthy? You don't want to get your friends PAID through Isagenix? If you had a store (pizza shop, clothing boutique, pet store...whatever) wouldn't you encourage your friends to shop there? Wouldn't you ask them to stop by and at least give your store a once over? Try something?&nbsp;Ask for their&nbsp;feedback? <br /><br />My guess is that yes, you would ask EVERY friend to try out your store. Now listen to this, Isagenix has a 100% money back guarantee. You try it and don't like it. Send it back. 100% product refund. No strings.<br /><br />So again, my question is this....why wouldn't you try it? Why wouldn't you suggest that your friends try it? How cool would it be to sign up, sign two friends up, get your product paid for and be on your way to earning $5,000 A WEEK WITH YOUR FRIENDS?!? I bet you would have more than 349 Facebook friends then....<br /><br />If you are ready to join me in this amazing company, let me know! I always have room for more friends! You can view my website here and contact me on Facebook. <br /><br /><a href="http://trac1313.isagenix.com/">http://trac1313.isagenix.com</a>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153216380438947038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094493966157780621.post-47074876875563272142013-04-16T11:17:00.004-07:002013-04-16T11:17:40.831-07:00Praying for the Tragedy in (Fill In Blank Here) Please pray for the tragedy in _________________. This is becoming too common. It seems that this line is becoming like telling your spouse every time you hang up the phone from a conversation, "I Love You" in that rote mindless way. I am not meaning to sound cruel; only to drive home a point here. <br /><br />This has to stop. <br /><br />Think about this....in the last few months this is what the American people have endured...marathon bombings, school shootings, movie theatre massacres, direct targets on politicians and police captains, college shootings, Wal-Mart shootings...those are just the tragedies that were widely publicized. We didn't hear much about the nanny that killed two children, the teenager that was raped and bullied and then committed suicide&nbsp;and countless other senseless acts. <br /><br />Here's the thing...we are not going to solve the gun control issue in a day. Whether you are for or against, this debate and all the laws that come with it are going to go down the same path as Roe vs. Wade...ongoing...forever...&nbsp;We are not going to wipe out terrorism in the next week. Politicians can say as much as they like about "finding the group responsible for these heinous acts". Yes, I believe you will put your best foot forward at least until the next heinous act occurs. Then that will be the new hot topic to concentrate on for the minute/day/week/month. Rinse and Repeat. Then there is the issue of mental health. Such a vague term. Mental Health. Almost an oxymoron. Everyone has a little crazy in them. But how are you going to stop the most broken of the broken from doing senseless acts of violence. Gun control. Well, probably not. Have you ever heard the expression, "Where there's a will there's a way"? Making guns harder to get is understandable. But if a mental health patient with a penchant for killing people really wants a gun, they are going to get one somehow someway. <br /><br />So, what's the purpose of this rant. Here it is folks....You do not know how much time you have left on this earth. You are not going to be able to change any of the factors listed above in a day, a week a month or even a year. So in the meantime, be kind to one another. Show patience and understanding. Smile often. <br /><br />What's the point in being rude? It sets off a chain of events in a downward spiral. Today while driving along a fairly busy road, I saw a line of cars trying to avoid a black trash bag tumbling (full) across three lanes of traffic. No one swerved or caused an accident, but cars slowed down to let the wind catch the bag and swing it over to the shoulder of the road. Oh my goodness... the amount of horn blasting that took place in that 7 second time period was unreal. The cars behind the front row of cars went absolutely crazy. I guess they thought it was ghastly that someone would be adding 7 seconds to their commute time. <br /><br />Isn't it even more strange that in those 7 seconds I wondering if there was a bomb in that rogue black trash bag? This bone chilling feeling went through me as I saw that trash bag tumbling in slow motion. The first car wheel to hit the bag expressed the contents (a lot of Styrofoam packaging), probably why the trash bag was floating in the wind to begin with, but I just had the eerie sensation sitting there... powerless. <br /><br />At that moment, a thought crossed my mind. I may only have one second left on this earth. Am I proud of who I am? Am I proud of how I have acted? Am I proud of how I have taught my children to act? <br /><br />We have all heard reports about how yesterday, at the Boston Marathon, countless numbers of bystanders helped those that were injured by the bombing. I wonder...how many of those people would honk or yell profanities at the same runner that needed to use the shoulder of the road to train for the marathon? How many people that felt deeply sorry and sad for the children that died in Newtown, might have been greatly put out if one of those children were being too loud in a restaurant? How many people sitting in that movie theatre in Aurora might have cut in line to get their popcorn? <br /><br />I know this post will not be popular with some because they think I am trivializing extremely tragic events. But there's where you have it wrong. I am deeply saddened by these events. I am deeply saddened that my kids are growing up in a world where these events even occur. If nothing else, these events should tell us that PEOPLE need to change. Not laws, rules, restrictions, etc.. PEOPLE. <br /><br />You have no idea what someone else has gone through. You have no idea what someone else is going through. You have no idea what might lie around the corner (or in a school building, or across a finish line, or in a movie theater) for you. So my plea to you is this...Just be kind. Everyday. You have no idea what a difference that can make and you don't want to live a life of regrets. Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153216380438947038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094493966157780621.post-46128426635289149122013-03-22T15:26:00.000-07:002013-03-22T15:26:29.780-07:00Go To The Beach!!! (As Often As You Can!) The (unintentional) highlight of our vacation was going to the beach. We planned to go to the beach. We just didn't plan to have so much fun! Now that I am thinking about it, the same thing happened the last time we went to the beach (Sanibel Island) in May. So here's my advice, Go To The Beach! <br /><br />Kids love the beach! Adults love the beach! Everyone loves the beach! Unless of course you are allergic to the sun in which case I think I would cry. <br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We rented a teeny tiny little car from our hotel and headed over to Cocoa Beach. (Sorry, I didn't take any pictures of the car.) The drive took about an hour and it was easy peasy. Well, I guess I should ask Steve if it was easy peasy but as a passenger in the car that got to stare out into the ocean, it was easy peasy. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We went into Ron Jon's first to load up on our beach gear. We could have parked in the Ron Jon lot and walked over to the beach but with all of our gear, it would have been a trek. We bought 3 of the 4 boards you see in this picture. I'll let you guess which 3. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aIyoKdqkRJA/UUuApQj4kYI/AAAAAAAABiA/BciQGgpOk60/s1600/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aIyoKdqkRJA/UUuApQj4kYI/AAAAAAAABiA/BciQGgpOk60/s320/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+022.JPG" ssa="true" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So we drove (maybe 1/2 mile) to a parking lot just over the beachy dunes, paid our $7 to park for the day and headed out to the sand. </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HGl3PZiAepU/UUuCceQiUgI/AAAAAAAABjE/pzuZnEFCg2k/s1600/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HGl3PZiAepU/UUuCceQiUgI/AAAAAAAABjE/pzuZnEFCg2k/s320/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+058.JPG" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div>And this my friends, is what we did all day. The boys went back and forth from building sand castles, digging holes, skim boarding and wave jumping.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CWTiTtKZkTo/UUuA3r3olhI/AAAAAAAABiI/Tt9OjGcUM0w/s1600/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CWTiTtKZkTo/UUuA3r3olhI/AAAAAAAABiI/Tt9OjGcUM0w/s320/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+023.JPG" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6eee1QYaSpU/UUuCFZ9LX0I/AAAAAAAABio/6aJx0_6Ztik/s1600/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6eee1QYaSpU/UUuCFZ9LX0I/AAAAAAAABio/6aJx0_6Ztik/s320/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+031.JPG" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VaT_WFdzctw/UUuCLdY9uZI/AAAAAAAABiw/45La5dbEPkc/s1600/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VaT_WFdzctw/UUuCLdY9uZI/AAAAAAAABiw/45La5dbEPkc/s320/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+032.JPG" ssa="true" width="240" /></a></div><br />Halfway through the day I walked over to the beach side restaurant and got us some lunch. I had the mahi burger and it was delicious! The kids barely wanted to stop and eat but it gave them a chance to warm up. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PT0xdE_krVM/UUuB3_PhVOI/AAAAAAAABig/V8vAHVsYfJc/s1600/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PT0xdE_krVM/UUuB3_PhVOI/AAAAAAAABig/V8vAHVsYfJc/s320/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+036.JPG" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div>&nbsp;The water was chilly and my husband saved me from having to go in on that first day. God love him!. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sqSlWEF98ro/UUuBP73dztI/AAAAAAAABiQ/zuH6rO3g0ZI/s1600/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sqSlWEF98ro/UUuBP73dztI/AAAAAAAABiQ/zuH6rO3g0ZI/s320/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+043.JPG" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />That is Steve standing out there freezing while Colin rode the waves. Colin had a great time but came out freezing. Cam too. The only thing to do after that was to put on dry clothes and make sand angels in the hot sand. Of course. Why not? <br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XIMfxg8y2Us/UUuBl1OZyZI/AAAAAAAABiY/tAZN55axRK4/s1600/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XIMfxg8y2Us/UUuBl1OZyZI/AAAAAAAABiY/tAZN55axRK4/s320/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+038.JPG" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />We met a little friend as we were about to leave. This cute little guy was running for his life from the pack of seagulls that followed everyone around that had any resemblance of food in their hands. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3K8hQV3aMok/UUuCXg3pFYI/AAAAAAAABi8/cHBrkEzPlsQ/s1600/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3K8hQV3aMok/UUuCXg3pFYI/AAAAAAAABi8/cHBrkEzPlsQ/s320/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+054.JPG" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />You know you have had a good day at the beach when it ends like this....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AFJsqdetVOI/UUuCf-XDBKI/AAAAAAAABjM/QYLEYcw87eM/s1600/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AFJsqdetVOI/UUuCf-XDBKI/AAAAAAAABjM/QYLEYcw87eM/s320/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+059.JPG" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />The next day we went kayaking with the manatees. It was a great experience. There are all types of tours out there but we decided to make it an active trip rather than sit on a boat and have someone drive us around.<br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-USsWo5oYgp0/UUuFKPsY7PI/AAAAAAAABjY/nMBHL5eEWFo/s1600/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-USsWo5oYgp0/UUuFKPsY7PI/AAAAAAAABjY/nMBHL5eEWFo/s320/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+060.JPG" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Our trip was supposed to be 1 1/2 - 2 hours in length. About 4 hours later, we were finally pulling back into the dock. Our trip was great (a little long for the boys but still great). Our guide was surprised that the boys paddled as much as they did so he figured he would extend our trip out since we were the last group for the day. That would have been nice to know before hand. I ran out of drinking water 2 hours into the trip, didn't bring any extra sunscreen and chose to leave all of our snacks back at the dock. <br /><br />Here is my super guide that helped me paddle all over the ocean waters. He was a great navigator and motivator. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5RyRPFWwdoo/UUuvNZpRaeI/AAAAAAAABjo/HAsN7L2Aw20/s1600/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5RyRPFWwdoo/UUuvNZpRaeI/AAAAAAAABjo/HAsN7L2Aw20/s320/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+069.JPG" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></div></div><br />We had a great time on our 4 hour tour and none of us were any worse for the wear. Other than the flaming sunburn I had on the tops of my shins (didn't take extra sunscreen) everyone seemed to be in pretty good shape when we docked. Of course, they looked like pros. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RTvOIIN3jHI/UUuvnPLxbTI/AAAAAAAABjw/18C5SgBoDuE/s1600/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RTvOIIN3jHI/UUuvnPLxbTI/AAAAAAAABjw/18C5SgBoDuE/s320/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+067.JPG" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The manatees were close enough to touch (but we weren't allowed, very protected species)&nbsp;The photos don't do them justice. It is amazing how graceful these creatures are in the water. And they are HUGE! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6nzN0eCG0PM/UUuwCL568bI/AAAAAAAABj4/omJsU27RbIM/s1600/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6nzN0eCG0PM/UUuwCL568bI/AAAAAAAABj4/omJsU27RbIM/s320/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+083.JPG" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zWNjx9nSj38/UUuwK8h5jwI/AAAAAAAABkA/0ztlBmdBgLM/s1600/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zWNjx9nSj38/UUuwK8h5jwI/AAAAAAAABkA/0ztlBmdBgLM/s320/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+080.JPG" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This one was nicknamed Barney for the barnacles on it's back. Our guide said it was the only manatee in the grove to have barnacles and they weren't exactly sure why it had them. The barnacles make this particular manatee easy to spot in the water. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A3nOG4UL1Zg/UUuwQ5SIINI/AAAAAAAABkI/KInb100grLY/s1600/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A3nOG4UL1Zg/UUuwQ5SIINI/AAAAAAAABkI/KInb100grLY/s320/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+082.JPG" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">We saw a few other fun animals along the way. The birds were not scared of us at all.&nbsp;We saw lots of seagulls and pelicans. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U_d1KFoiwPY/UUuwuaYNBuI/AAAAAAAABkU/i_tUNzm7qkU/s1600/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U_d1KFoiwPY/UUuwuaYNBuI/AAAAAAAABkU/i_tUNzm7qkU/s320/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+071.JPG" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">﻿</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I thought this was adorable. The little puppy just sat right on the paddle board with his owner. She said his name was Hercules. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nmsVIU0qfg4/UUuxCGQjq-I/AAAAAAAABkc/CTzg7dq5OA4/s1600/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nmsVIU0qfg4/UUuxCGQjq-I/AAAAAAAABkc/CTzg7dq5OA4/s320/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+081.JPG" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />We also saw several dolphins but I wasn't quick enough with my camera to get shots of them. Taking pictures was a little tricky while drifting in the water. The narrow mangroves were even trickier. There were spots where we had to put our paddles in the kayak and just pull ourselves along the branches. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-foPE39NLj90/UUuxpvH_bhI/AAAAAAAABkg/LAWEoXHqCB0/s1600/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-foPE39NLj90/UUuxpvH_bhI/AAAAAAAABkg/LAWEoXHqCB0/s320/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+092.JPG" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vsgQEacl9iI/UUuxxgdwmaI/AAAAAAAABko/RwkB_Oq8kNY/s1600/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vsgQEacl9iI/UUuxxgdwmaI/AAAAAAAABko/RwkB_Oq8kNY/s320/Orlando+Cocoa+Beach+2013+093.JPG" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All in all the kayak trip was a lot of fun.&nbsp;It was a really great experience for all of us to&nbsp;get an up close look at nature but not disturb it. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Do's of Taking Kids to the Beach/Kayaking</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Do bring a lot of extra clothes including jackets. If you are there all day and the wind kicks up, the breeze off the water can be cold. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Do bring a lot of extra towels. It's hard to dry off with a super sandy towel. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Do bring your camera and money. In all my years of going to the beach I have never once had anyone (other than some really aggressive crows) mess with my stuff. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Do bring ziplock bags to collect sea shells. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Do stop and get some plastic cups or buckets at the local dollar store if you can. The kids will have a great time digging and building. You can donate them to another family on the beach when you are done with them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Do bring lots of drinking water and snacks. Swimming in the ocean makes you thirsty and hungry. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Do encourage your kids to actually paddle the kayak. It will be a great help to you. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Do take your camera on the kayak. If they say it won't get wet, it won't.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Do take water, a snack and extra sunscreen on the kayak. As it turns out, you might not be back as soon as you think.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Do spend the extra money to park close to the beach if you have to drive there (i.e., not staying at a hotel on the beach). It will save you a lot of tears and frustration from tired kids walking miles back to the car. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Do promise your kids you will be back to the beach someday as you haul them off crying...this WILL happen. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Don'ts of Taking Kids to the Beach/Kayaking</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Don't feed the seagulls or walk around with food in your hand. Also, don't toss sea shells like they are pieces of bread. The seagulls on the beach are aggressive (as are the crows). They will swoop down and peck at your food. Eat quickly. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Don't leave your sunscreen on the dock when you push off for kayaking. Take it with you. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Don't expect the lifeguards to keep a vigilant eye on your kids. That's your job as a parent. When there are 100 people in the water, the lifeguard can only do so much. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Don't skimp on the sunscreen. Sunburns are no fun, especially for kids. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153216380438947038noreply@blogger.com0